Ham Mukasa

Ham Mukasa also referred to as Hamu Mukasa (c. 1870–1956) was a vizier in the court of Mutesa I of Buganda (in present-day Uganda) and later secretary to Apolo Kagwa. He was fluent in both English and Swahili. He wrote one of the first glossaries of the Ganda language.

Early life Mukasa was the son of Makabugo Sensalire, a minor chief in Buddu (in present-day Masaka District). He converted to Christianity at a young age. As a result, he had a weak leg. Around 1898, he married Hannah Mawemuko, the daughter of a former chief minister (Katikkiro) of Buganda. While in the palace, Mukasa at first received instruction from Islamic teachers who held sway in Mutesa's court; however, he was later drawn to the Protestants, who baptised him Ham. and served in the position until 1935 when he retired.

Journeys in England Mukasa's book Uganda's Katikiro in England details his experiences on his journey from his homeland to the coronation of Edward VII of the United Kingdom, as secretary to Katikkiro (Prime Minister) Apolo Kagwa. It was translated into English by Ernest Millar of the Church Mission Society in Uganda.

Ham Mukasa returned to England in 1913,

Personal life

Ham Mukasa married his first wife, Hanna Wawemuko when he was 27 years old. They had four children together. Wawemuko died in 1919, and Mukasa remarried a year later. He had ten children with his second wife, Sarah Nabikolo. Sarah Kisosonkole is the mother of the current Kabaka of Buganda, Muwenda Mutebi II.

There is a statue of Hamu Mukasa erected at the Uganda Museum, and his memory is also kept alive by the Ham Mukasa Museum, which is situated at Nassuuti village along Mukono-Kayunga road. It contains his belongings, works, and artifacts and stands as a site for education and a reminder of his work towards Ugandan history.