Anne Nasimiyu Wasike

Anne Nasimiyu Wasike (11 June 1949 – 22 February 2018) was a Ugandan Catholic theologian, religious sister, and author.

Early life and education

She was the daughter of Matayo Wasike and Annastasia Nanyama. She was a sister to Priscah, Isaac, Sabina, Priscilla, John, Immanuel, Chachi and Patrick.

Career Anne was a Ugandan Catholic theologian, religious sister, and author of books and articles on education, ethics and the empowerment of the poor. She was also editor of several publications. She taught in the following areas; Systematic Theology, Theology of the Church, Liberation Theology, Inculturation of the Sacraments, African Womanist Theology, African Religion, and Belief Systems in Kenya.

Christian Response to Contemporary Issues. She was a member of a Franciscan African Order of nuns called "The Little Sisters of St Francis."

Wasike was also a founding member of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians, a Pan African organization of African Women founded under the leadership of Mercy Amber Oduyoye in 1989. The circle is known for being a prophetic voice as they name and shame sexism in church and society and they struggle particularly to end gender-based violence and exploitation of women.

Wasike served as the Superior General of the Little Sisters of Saint Francis with their headquarters in Nkokonjeru, Uganda on two terms each of six years: 1992 to 1998 and 2010 to 2016

Wasike was a scholar and teacher of African Theology and African Religions and Cultures. She was an active participant in the Sagana group that met annually to discuss emerging issues in African Christian Theology and practice. The consultation outcomes were edited and published by Jesse N Mugambi, the convener of the Sagana group, under the African (theology) Challenge series. She taught courses, published and facilitated research meant to deepen awareness of and respect for African spiritualities. She was a champion of what is known in Catholic circles as "inculturation theology". In 1992, she coedited Moral and Ethical Issues in African Christianity Exploratory Essays in Moral Theology, with J. N Mugambi which became one of the several volumes in the African Challenge series.

Death and legacy Wasike died after a short illness, thought to be malaria. She was buried at her late mother's house in Nkokonjeru, located in the central part of Uganda on 3 March 2018. A tribute appeared in the Daily Nation'' on 26 February 2018. She was credited by Irimina Nungari, who was her predecessor as superior general. Cecilia Njeri, head of the Little Sisters of Saint Francis, also lauded her for championing the organization of the archives of their congregation as well as drawing solid development plans.