”That we shall die we know; ’tis but the time…”

Before his death, James Mulwana who is arguably one of Uganda’s most successful entrepreneurs instructed that he be buried on the same day he dies. But that is not happening.

Mulwana who passed away today morning aged 76 and survived by one wife and 3 children will be laid to rest near his Jesa Farm located in Masiriba along Hoima road tomorrow.

At his home in Kansanga, files of mourners including the Queen of Buganda Sylvia Nagginda have been pouring in since morning to pass on their condolences and words of encouragement to the family.

Born on 24th July 1936, Mulwana died this morning at Nakasero Hospital. According to doctors, he died of stomach complications.

He began his career in 1961 in the import and export business.

In 1967 he went into partnership with Chloride (UK) and established the Associated Battery Manufacturers’ Ltd, which consequently became Uganda Batteries Ltd in 1990, when the local partners gained full ownership.

In 1970, Mulwana established Ship Tooth Brush Factory Ltd; currently Nice House of Plastics Ltd; which manufactures tooth brushes, household products, writing instruments and packaging products.

In 1988, he revived and served as chairman, Uganda Manufacturers’ Association until 2000.

Having been a chairman of the Uganda Manufacturers’ Association in the past, Mulwana has been chairman board of Advisory Committee UMA. He was a man with many responsibilities. CEO of Uganda Batteries Limited, Nice House of Plastics Limited and Jesa Farm Dairy Limited, a director Standard Chartered Bank Uganda Limited, Honorary Consul General of the Royal Kingdom Of Thailand among other responsibilities.

A government condolence message has praised James Mulwana as a disciplined true patriot. In a message issued by Information Minister Mary Karooro Okurut, Mulwana was also a friend of the NRM government and all peace loving Ugandans who will be remembered for his extreme modesty and discipline an attribute that endeared him to the young and the old. He was known for his dedication, sheer hard work, humility and honesty.

A Twitter user (@niyimic) reacting to his death wrote; ”Mr. Mulwana never imposed himself…always humbled me as a church warden; rarely sat infront; he was human. Never blinded by his riches”.

That we shall die we all know. It is the timing that is the hard-to-play puzzle.

R.I.P Mr. Mulwana.

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