SAD! Senior Makerere Journalism and Communication Lecturer Dr Brian Ssemujju Dead

Dr Brian Ssemujju, a senior journalism and communication lecturer, is dead. Teaching at the Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communication, Dr Ssemujju breathed his last on Sunday, 03 August 2025.

Details on the cause of his death were not readily available but sources told The Pearl Times he had battling cancer and had been known to be ill for about three years.

Dr Brian Ssemujju went to Caltec Academy Kikoni and Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono where he earned his bachelor of Mass Communication degree.

He would proceed to Makerere University for a master’s degree in Journalism and Communication.

He earned his PhD in Journalism and Media Studies from University of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa.

Ssemujju began his career in the academia as a teaching assistant at UCU.

Besides his academic career, Ssemujju was also into music. As a student at UCU in 2003, he recorded his first song titled ‘Ekitaffeeri’ to sensitize people on HIV/Aids. He sang under the stage name ‘Windman.’

But he had changed stage names over the years. By the time of his death, this PhD holder’s stage name was Don Zamo.

His latest song was ‘Totema Miti’ (Don’t cut trees) in which he preached against deforestation.

Dr Brian Ssemujju aka Don Zamo had over 20 songs to his name, including Time To Be Wise, and Tibikanya.

Those who knew Ssemujju have been paying tribute to him since the news of his passing started spreading.

“Heartbroken to receive the news of Dr. Brian Semujju’s passing. Brian was one of Uganda’s most brilliant media scholars, a solid academic mind whose influence was deeply felt across Makerere University, University of KwaZulu-Natal, and Uganda Christian University,” wrote Innocent Vuga, a Communication and Knowledge Management Officer for the African Union Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP).

“I first encountered Brian during my undergraduate days in media theory classes. He saw potential in me, encouraged me, and offered guidance that shaped my academic and professional journey. When it came time to pursue postgraduate studies, he was there – advising me, mentoring me, and later becoming a trusted referee. We had even talked about future collaborations in many areas.

“Brian, thank you for your wisdom, your generosity, and your belief in others. You truly made an impact. Your legacy lives on. Rest in peace, my friend.”

“Rest in peace my dear friend Brian Semujju (PhD). Makerere University and Uganda have lost a complete and passionate academic. We were in school together from our first degree all the way to our PhDs. A journey of books, deadlines, breakthroughs – and unbreakable friendship,” wrote academic Dr Samuel Kazibwe.

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