Prof. Badru Kateregga is a well-known Ugandan senior citizen, celebrated for his contributions to Uganda’s development and history. One of his most notable legacies is his support for Gen. Yoweri Museveni’s five-year bush war in Luwero, a crucial period in Uganda’s political history. As a wealthy member of the Ugandan diaspora living in Kenya during Obote II’s regime, Kateregga generously funded the National Resistance Army (NRA) through the Nairobi-based external wing of the movement. His contributions are documented in the archives of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
A Career in Education and Founding Kampala University
After the war, Prof. Kateregga returned to Uganda and resumed his teaching role at Makerere University. He later founded Kampala University (KU), Uganda’s pioneer private university. Despite early challenges, such as the fall of Greenland Bank, which affected the institution’s growth, KU has flourished. Today, the university boasts multiple campuses in Gaba, Mutundwe, Luwero, Jinja, as well as in South Sudan, Kenya, and Rwanda. KU stands as a multi-billion shilling enterprise, positioning Kateregga as a prominent figure in Uganda’s higher education sector.
A Respected Leader in Buganda
Beyond his academic accomplishments, Prof. Kateregga is a respected figure in Buganda’s traditional leadership. He serves as a member of the Buganda Lukiiko (Parliament) and is a key leader in his Mpologoma (Lion) clan. Additionally, he maintains close personal ties with Buganda’s Kabaka (King) and Katikkiro (Prime Minister) Peter Mayiga, offering counsel on matters concerning the kingdom.
The Tragic Incident of September 9th, 2024
On the morning of September 9th, 2024, Prof. Kateregga faced a harrowing attack at his home. One of his wives, a foreigner believed to be involved with a senior official at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), violently assaulted him. The attack left him severely injured, resulting in brain damage due to clotting and severe trauma. Despite the severity of the incident, the wife showed no empathy as the elderly professor lay bleeding and helpless on the floor.
Rescue and Hospitalization
Prof. Kateregga’s life was saved when a helper noticed his condition and alerted his children, some of whom reside abroad. They quickly arranged for emergency medical assistance. By the time he was transported to the hospital, Kateregga had already lost consciousness. His children have since been instrumental in his recovery, ensuring he receives the best possible care.
Prof. Kateregga’s Struggles with Domestic Violence
The attack on September 9th was not an isolated incident. Sources close to the professor revealed that his relationship with this particular wife had been tumultuous for some time. She was allegedly trying to monopolize him and his vast estate, which includes prime properties in Kampala and other major cities. She also sought to exclude his 25 biological children from any say in his affairs.
At a recent Baganda Nkoba Zambogo event at KU’s Jinja campus, Kateregga publicly acknowledged the domestic violence he endured. Although reluctant to share specific details of the attack, he made it clear that his children should be the sole inheritors of his estate, should anything happen to him.
Taking a Stand: Kateregga’s Vow to Protect His Estate
In his weakened state, Prof. Kateregga has vowed to fight to ensure that his estranged wife does not gain access to any portion of his estate. During the Nkoba Zambogo event, he introduced his children to the Katikkiro and publicly declared them as his rightful heirs. He emphasized that only they should have control over his property, which includes valuable assets in multiple locations across Uganda.
Domestic Violence: A Silent Epidemic Among Ugandan Men
Prof. Kateregga’s ordeal highlights a broader issue affecting many men in Uganda—domestic violence. Despite the severity of the abuse, many men remain silent, fearing social humiliation or judgment. This silence has led to a growing epidemic of men suffering from physical, emotional, and verbal abuse at the hands of their spouses. The issue remains largely unreported, with social media adding another layer of scrutiny and stigma.
The Need for Public Awareness and Policy Change
The story of Prof. Kateregga serves as a powerful reminder that domestic violence against men is a real and pressing issue. Many men endure abusive relationships, often to their detriment, both physically and emotionally. These men, like Kateregga, often suppress their pain and are unable to be productive in their work and lives.
It is time for the government and society to recognize the gravity of this issue and implement affirmative action policies to protect men who find themselves in abusive marriages. Public campaigns and support systems need to be established to address the growing problem of domestic violence against men.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
Prof. Kateregga’s experience is a stark illustration of the dangers of remaining in abusive relationships. His story has sparked a conversation about the plight of men suffering in silence. For Uganda to progress, the society must acknowledge and address the widespread issue of domestic violence, not just for women but for men as well.
