Threads of Resilience: A Life Stitched with Courage- The biography of Robinah Nankanja Sserwadda

Early Life

Robinah Nankanja Sserwadda was born on 31 December 1938 at the Butikkiro, into the family of the late Martin Luther Nsibirwa, former Katikkiro of Buganda, and Erina Nankya.

Her early childhood unfolded in the official residence of the Katikkiro, surrounded by both tradition and public life.

At around four years old, she moved to Mbale, where she lived for about three years under the care of her father’s close friend, a local chief, and her aunt, Ssenga Getu. Her stay there came to an end after the death of her father. Robinah returned to Kampala after the burial and began living with her mother, marking a new chapter of resilience and adjustment.

Education

Robinah completed her primary education at Ndejje, where she studied, supervised by her elder sister, the late Janet Nkabiddwa Mdoe. She later attended Gombe Secondary School, where she continued her studies and eventually earned a nursing certificate.

In pursuit of broader opportunities, she undertook a secretarial course, though she was unable to secure employment in that field. Determined to support her family, she later trained in tailoring, a skill that would become central to her livelihood.

Nursing Career and Work Life

Robinah began her professional nursing career at Mulago Hospital, where she worked for approximately two years. During this time, she served under the supervision of her brother, the late Dr Semu Ntulume, who was in charge of the hospital (Medical Superintendent) at the time.

She later joined Bombo Hospital in Luwero,, where she worked for about two more years, continuing her service in paediatric and general nursing.

As her family grew, Robinah found that nursing alone was insufficient to meet the needs of her children. She therefore made the difficult decision to leave formal nursing employment. She later trained in tailoring, which became her primary means of supporting her household, and also opened a retail shop in Nakawa while living in Kamwokya..

Her memories from this period include vivid accounts of seeing dead bodies in the Lugogo landfill during the turbulent late 1970s — a stark reminder of the nation’s difficult era.

Marriage and Family

In August 1967, Robinah married John Chrysostom Sserwadda Ssempiri, a journalist and former seminarian, in a ceremony held in Nsambya. After their wedding, the couple lived in Namungona, though they later sold their house due to neighbourly disputes.

They moved to Makindye while constructing their long-term family home in Kazo. Between 1972 and 1973, they lived briefly in Kazo before moving to Kamwokya, where her husband had been allocated government housing through his work with Radio Uganda. In 1996, they returned to their home in Kazo, where they continue to reside.

The had seven children from their union:

• Robert Waguma
• Paul Kyembe (RIP)
• John Bosco Kateregga
• Charles Ntale
• Kisekka Martin
• Joseph Ssebwufu
• Mary Gertrude Ndagire

Robinah and John Chris at their home in Kazo

Later Life

Today, Robinah lives in Kazo with her husband. About a year ago, she suffered a stroke that left her wheelchair bound. With medical care, family support, and personal determination, she is steadily recovering, continuing to demonstrate strength and perseverance in her later years.