Prof. Badru Kateregga Marks 77th Birthday, Celebrates Prestigious Elephant Award at Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz
The colourful event brought together family members, including his sons, daughters and grandchildren, close friends, in-laws, staff of Kampala University, and distinguished guests from academia, business, and the Scouting fraternity.
Kampala University Founding Vice-Chancellor, Owek. Amb. Al-Haj Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga, yesterday celebrated his 77th birthday in grand style at Skyz Hotel in Naguru, Kampala, in a ceremony that also doubled as a thanksgiving for his life and a celebration of his recent continental honour — the prestigious Elephant Award.
The colourful event brought together family members, including his sons, daughters and grandchildren, close friends, in-laws, staff of Kampala University, and distinguished guests from academia, business, and the Scouting fraternity.
The highlight of the evening was the formal presentation of the Elephant Award by the chief guest, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, recognising Prof. Kateregga’s outstanding contribution to the Scouting movement in Uganda and across Africa. The award was officially announced during the 19th Africa Scout Conference held in Antananarivo, Madagascar, where Prof. Kateregga lifted Uganda’s flag high on the continental stage.
A Life of Service and Faith
Addressing guests, Prof. Kateregga expressed deep gratitude to God for the gift of life, attributing his longevity to hard work, discipline, and placing God above all else. He also thanked his children for standing by him through both triumphs and difficult moments.
“I thank the Almighty for giving me another chance at life,” Prof. Kateregga said, describing the birthday celebration as a moment of reflection, thanksgiving, and renewed purpose.
The celebration came barely a year after the academic survived a near-death experience, an episode that his family described as a turning point in his life.
During the event, his son, Faguil Kateregga, revealed that his father had faced serious health challenges last year, which the family believes were caused by deliberate poisoning involving harmful substances.
The matter, he noted, had deeply affected the family but also strengthened their unity and faith.
Honouring a Scouting Icon
Dr. Maggie Kigozi, while presenting the Elephant Award, praised Prof. Kateregga for his unwavering commitment to youth development, leadership, and community service through Scouting.
“The Elephant Award is the highest recognition in the Scouting fraternity. It is given to leaders whose impact transcends borders, and Prof. Kateregga truly deserves it,” Dr. Kigozi said.
The Elephant Award is considered the pinnacle of recognition in African Scouting and was bestowed upon Prof. Kateregga in recognition of his excellent service, exceptional support, and significant contributions to the growth and development of the Scout Movement.
Prof. Kateregga currently serves as the Chief Scout of Uganda, Chairman of the National Union of Uganda Muslim Scouts, Chief Commissioner of the Buganda Royal Scouts Movement, Chairman of the International Scouts and Guides Fellowship–Uganda Chapter, and Vice-President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts. Over the years, he has been a strong advocate of Scouting ideals such as leadership, peace-building, discipline, and community service.
Tributes from Friends and Colleagues
Owek. Fred Freeman Kiyimba commended Prof. Kateregga for building a lasting legacy in higher education and youth mentorship, particularly through Kampala University, where he serves as Vice-Chancellor and co-founder.
“God spared his life because he still has a mission. He has built institutions, shaped lives, and inspired generations. The youth should emulate his hard work and resilience,” Kiyimba said.
Staff from Kampala University and fellow academics also paid glowing tribute to Prof. Kateregga, describing him as a visionary educationist, entrepreneur, and mentor whose leadership continues to influence thousands of students and young people across Africa.
A Legacy That Inspires
Born on 4 December 1948, Prof. Badru Dungu Kateregga is a renowned Ugandan academic, entrepreneur, and academic administrator. His recognition with the Elephant Award cements his place among Africa’s most influential Scouting leaders and marks a proud moment for Uganda and Kampala University.
As the celebrations concluded, the mood at Skyz Hotel was one of gratitude, resilience, and celebration of a life devoted to service. For Prof. Kateregga, the 77th birthday was not only a personal milestone but also a powerful reminder of faith, endurance, and a legacy that continues to inspire young people across Uganda, Africa, and beyond.
