03/04/2025
From Texas to Uganda – 45 Years of Service – Now Back Home.
If there is one statement from Dr. Chapman’s farewell that still echoes in my mind, it’s this;
"If there is anyone like Jesus I have ever met, it would be Dr. Ken Chapman." – Dr. Song Samuel (South Korea).
We gathered at Serena Hotels Kampala to say farewell to a man whose story is almost unbelievable.
A man who left the comfort of Texas in 1979, landed in Uganda during one of its most chaotic times and made it his mission to serve. Not for a few months, not for a couple of years, but for 45 years.
When Dr. Chapman arrived atMengo Hospitalgo Hospital, there was no dental unit.
He didn’t just pioneer one—he mentored an entire generation of Ugandan dentists, including Dr. Mawano Deo (the head and owner of Mawano Dental Clinic at Buganda Road, Kampala), plus Dr. James Magara, and Dr. Paul Wamala (some of Uganda’s finest dental professionals, and pioneer dentists at Makerere University).
His influence spread beyond Mengo, beyond Kampala, and beyond Uganda.
But Dr. Chapman was more than a dentist.
🎯 He arrived in Uganda in 1979 to find Mengo Hospital had no dental unit… so he pioneered one.
🎯 He is known to have had the practice of praying with his patients before working on them.
🎯 He fully embraced Ugandan culture, learned Luganda pretty well, and even joined the Effumbe Clan as "Kigozi."
🎯 He's been teaching and mentoring at Uganda Christian University (UCU).
🎯 He made Uganda home.
And now, after 45 years, he is going back home, to Panhandle Texas.
In honor of his work, Mengo Hospital is constructing a magnificent structure, the "Dr. Ken Chapman Dental Center"—a lasting legacy of his service.
It was an honor to have been entrusted with emceeing this unforgettable send-off dinner.
Seeing the room filled with dignitaries, including Rt. Archbishop of Uganda and Bishop of Kampala, Dr. Henry Luke Orombi, Dr. Mawano Deo, Dr. Simon Nsingo Executive Director of Mengo Hospital; Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Robert Ssekidde, proprietor of Seroma Hardware and Seroma Christian High School; Dr. Mulwana Ronnie; and many others, were a testament to how deeply this man is loved and respected.
In a world where we chase “influencers,” let’s pause for the quiet heroes who change nations too.
Uganda is better because he came.
As he goes back to Texas, we remain grateful.
Dr. Chapman, Uganda’s teeth—and hearts—will miss you.
Webale Nyo 🙏🏾.
Have you ever met or heard about Dr. Chapman? Share in the comments section
Sa. Jose 🎤
Emcee | Author | Speaker | Engineer | HR