Alistaluko Kiwana: A Profile in Excellence

Alistaluko Sekagya Nsibirwa Kiwana left a public legacy of lasting infrastructure that continues to serve and better the lives of Ugandan generations after his passing. The name Alistaluko is the Luganda version of Aristarchus which is the name he was baptised with. He was also known by the shortened version Alistair and his nickname “Harry”.

Alistaluko was born on the 3rd of July, 1924, a son to Martin Luther Nsibirwa, Katikkiro of Buganda (1929 – 1941, 1945) and Veronica Namuddu. He attended Budo Junior for primary school and King’s College Budo for secondary school where he excelled academically and in the sports field. He was on the cricket, swimming, Football and boxing teams as well as being a Senior Prefect.

Kiwana - far right on the front row – Senior Prefects, Kings College Budo 1943

He was admitted to Makerere College which later became Makerere University. In his first year, however, due to the tensions surrounding the assassination of his father, there was an attempt on his life when someone tried to burn him in his bed. He survived but he had to leave Makerere as a result.

Alistaluko then joined the Public Works Department as an apprentice. He impressed his superiors enough that he was selected to attend Brighton College of Technology where he obtained a Diploma in Civil Engineering. He later went to Imperial College London in the United Kingdom to obtain his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. In 1958-1959 he did his post-graduate work in Scotland and was involved in the construction of the Hunterston A nuclear power station.

1958 - Kiwana – second from the right on the front row – the team building the Hunterston A nuclear power station.

Prior to going to the UK for further studies, he married Margaret (Rita) Ndibalekera Lubega in Namirembe Cathedral, Kampala in August 1954. Margaret was a qualified working primary school teacher. She later joined him in the UK having won her own scholarship for further studies in the UK.

Upon his return, he served in the Ministry of Works and Transport where he oversaw the early tarmacking of the national road network. He excelled there as well and was chosen to be the first head of the National Housing and Construction Corporation, created to build affordable starter housing for junior civil servants.

Tour of Washington DC, USA Caterpillar factory 1969

While serving as National Housing Managing Director, he oversaw several projects that continue to benefit Ugandans. He oversaw the construction of Bugolobi, Buganda Road, Wandegeya, Bukoto Brown and Bukoto White Flats. He designed both the Northern and Southern Bypasses. In recognition of his enduring impact on the nation, National Housing named a road in Bukoto after him.

Alistaluko left public service in 1972 when the Amin government summarily dismissed all permanent secretaries as well as all other civil servants holding equivalent positions. He founded his own engineering firm, Associated Consulting Engineers which amongst other things worked on the construction of the then new Entebbe Airport.

Alistaluko and Rita spent 19 happily married years together until he passed away in 1973. She joined him in heaven in February 2025. Their marriage produced six children: Maria, Janet, Sira, Esita, Babirye and Nakato and 10 grandchildren.

Alistaluko made the fullest use of his talents in service of others. There can be no greater accolade given to a man.