Our History

By 1946, the governance of the St John Ambulance Association (Uganda Branch) was entrusted to an Executive Committee composed of 15 members, supported by several sub-committees. The Executive Committee played a primarily directive and administrative role, while executive functions were delegated to the sub-committees, each tasked with managing specific geographical areas within the Protectorate. These areas included all of Buganda, excluding Entebbe Township and Kisubi Mission Station. This decentralized approach enabled the steady growth of St John Ambulance across at least two-quarters of the Uganda Protectorate.

For many years, St John Ambulance Uganda and the Uganda Red Cross Society worked collaboratively to fulfill their shared mission of saving lives. In 1950, a Joint Committee was formed to coordinate their efforts. Dr. O.P. Markandya, then Honorary Secretary of the St John Executive Committee, served as the first representative of St John Ambulance on this Joint Committee.

By 1955, the St John Ambulance Brigade expressed the intention to establish itself as a separate entity from the Association. However, these efforts were derailed following the untimely death of its Commissioner, Dr. Caldwell. His passing left a leadership vacuum, and the position of Commissioner remained vacant for two years. During this period, in the absence of any qualified Brigade officer within Uganda, the responsibilities of Brigade administration fell almost entirely to the Headquarters Officer, Mr. Hadow. However, since this role was not originally designed to manage the Brigade, Mr. Hadow lacked executive authority and could neither recommend nor promote members within the Brigade. This leadership gap significantly hindered the progress and development of the Brigade.

A major milestone was reached on 12th August 1957, when Sir Frederick Crawford, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St George, Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and then Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Protectorate, granted St John Ambulance Association a certificate of registration as a corporate body under the Trustees Ordinance Cap. 126 of 1951. The organization was officially registered as “The Registered Trustees of the Uganda Centre of the St John Ambulance Association.”

Subsequently, on 27th September 1958, the St John Council was formed in Uganda. This Council served as a representative body for the people of the Protectorate, charged with setting overall policy direction and mobilizing public support for both the Association and the Brigade. Up to this point, St John Ambulance Uganda operated under the management of the Grand Priory in the British Realm of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem.

By 1959, St John Ambulance had expanded to include nine divisions across Uganda. On 19th June 1959, it officially gained independence from the St John Ambulance Association, marking a pivotal step in its organizational evolution.

The dream of a permanent home for St John Uganda was realized in 1960 with the construction of the organization’s headquarters on Buganda Road in Kampala. The project was supported by the Order Secretariat in London, contributions from the Lady Crawford Charities, and generous donations from well-wishers. Before this, St John Uganda had operated temporarily out of the Uganda Police Headquarters and Kampala City Council’s Town Hall. The new headquarters were officially opened on 25th February 1960 by H.E. Sir Frederick Crawford, the Governor of Uganda.

In 1964, the St John Council for Uganda unanimously amended Regulation Six to officially recognize the President of Uganda as the Patron of St John Uganda. Before independence, these powers were conferred upon the Governor General of the Protectorate of Uganda, a provision that raised concerns within the newly sovereign government. The amendment aligned the organization’s constitution with Uganda’s new political realities.

Under the revised constitution of the Order of St John Uganda, the President of the Republic of Uganda automatically became the President of the Order as well. Consequently, Sir Edward Muteesa II, the Kabaka of Buganda and President of Uganda at the time, became the first indigenous President of the Order of St John Uganda, succeeding the colonial Governor General.

In 1968, the St John Ambulance Association and the Brigade were merged once again, forming a unified entity known simply as St John Ambulance Uganda, to streamline operations and increase effectiveness.

During the regime of President Idi Amin Dada, St John Ambulance Uganda continued to play a visible public role despite growing political instability.

In 1971, following President Amin’s directive to return the remains of Sir Edward Muteesa II from exile for a dignified burial, St John Uganda was among the key institutions that organized and facilitated the state funeral. The burial took place at Kasubi Tombs, drawing massive crowds and prompting a five-day national mourning period.

St John personnel provided critical support during the public gatherings, treating over 3,500 casualties and referring many with serious injuries to Namirembe and Mulago Hospitals. The following divisions were actively involved in ensuring public safety and delivering emergency care:

• Entebbe
• Kibuli
• Lady Irene College – Ndejje
• Railways
• Uganda Police
• Wobulenzi
• Nytil
• Kampala Divisions 1 and 2

However, despite such efforts, the progress of St John Ambulance was severely disrupted by the increasing political insecurity under President Amin’s rule. The 1979 Liberation War, launched by a joint African Union force led by President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, eventually ousted Idi Amin but came at a great cost.

During the conflict:

• St John ambulances and property were looted
• Members were dispersed, with some being killed
• Operations ceased entirely for nearly two years due to the widespread violence and lawlessness

The subsequent period from 1980 to 1986 marked another era of crisis. Amid contested elections in 1980—alleged to have been rigged by President Milton Obote against Democratic Party candidate Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere—Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the Uganda People’s Movement launched a guerrilla war.

This six-year conflict became the final blow to St John Uganda’s operations during that era:

• The St John headquarters was shut down
• Members faced abductions, threats, and killings
• The organization fell dormant, and no meaningful activity took place during this time

Following the ousting of General Tito Okello Lutwa’s military regime by the National Resistance Army (NRA) on 26th January 1986, peace gradually returned to Uganda. With this new wave of stability, St John Ambulance Uganda reopened after years of inactivity. However, the organization faced significant challenges—namely, shortages of human resources, finances, and equipment—which limited its ability to fully resume operations.

With determination and coordinated effort from the remaining staff and committed volunteers, St John Uganda slowly reinstated its activities, primarily within Kampala, as resources were still scarce.

A significant milestone came on 30th June 1998, when a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Uganda, represented by the Ministry of Health, and St John Ambulance Uganda. This agreement marked the beginning of renewed cooperation between the government and the organization and has since been periodically renewed:

• 31st August 2001
• 24th August 2004
• 20th October 2008
• 9th November 2011
• And most recent one of October 2023 with continuing effect.

The initial MoU led to the resumption of government subvention to St John, which had originally been introduced in the 1956/1957 financial year under the Ministry of Social Services, and later transferred to the Ministry of Health in 1959/1960.

Under the MoU, St John Uganda was mandated to:

• Provide first aid during national emergencies
• Assist in epidemics and refugee influxes
• Offer health support services during public health crises

In turn, the Government of Uganda committed to:

• Facilitate financial and administrative processes
• Pay applicable taxes, subject to Ministry of Finance clearance
• Grant visas, work permits, and vehicle licenses
• Support logistical and legal operations of St John Uganda

In 1999, the Order of St John International implemented major constitutional reforms, resulting in broad restructuring and decentralization of its global operations. These reforms aimed to promote collaboration among member nations, encourage mutual support, and enhance operational efficiency.

One key outcome was the regional reorganization of national St John establishments to improve coordination among themselves and with the Order Headquarters in the UK.

As part of this effort:

• On 25th October 1999, the National St John Council of Uganda and St John Ambulance Uganda were formally unified into one organization.
• In 2003, St John Uganda was registered as a non-governmental organization (NGO), on a renewable term basis.

In line with the international restructuring programme, the St John Council of Uganda undertook comprehensive reforms in 2004 to address longstanding internal challenges. For decades, a division had existed between the Brigade and the Council, originating in 1957 and continuing through successive years. This split had hindered organizational cohesion and limited St John Uganda’s potential.

Through concerted reconciliation efforts, the two factions were successfully reunited in 2004. A new working rapport was established, enabling the organization to function as a single, unified entity.

As a result of this transformation, the National St John Council of the Order of St John was restructured and renamed the St John Association of Uganda, effective 1st January 2004.

Formalization of International Relations and Strategic Planning

On 26th October 2006, Rear Admiral Andrew Gough, Secretary General of the Order Secretariat, visited St John Uganda to reinforce international ties. His visit culminated in the signing of:

• The Relationship Agreement
• The Logo Agreement
• The Deed of Indemnity

These were signed by the then Chairman/Commander, His Excellency Professor Gordon Wavamunno, and the National Executive Secretary, Mrs. Christine Nandyose Kasirye, with the Vice Chairman, Rt. Rev. Emeritus Wilson Mutebi, serving as witness.

Around the same time, stakeholders developed the first two-year strategic plan (2006–2008), which has since been revised and renewed multiple times.

Strengthening Human Resource Capacity

St John Uganda began the transition from reliance on volunteer trainers to salaried professionals. The first three trainers were recruited with support from:

• The Priory of South Africa
• St John Kenya
• The International Office, which also funded their salaries for one year to allow time for St John Uganda to begin covering costs through income generated from training programs.

Staff and volunteers were brought together in a capacity-building workshop facilitated by Pippa Hoyland from 29th–30th March 2006, followed by a review workshop from 22nd–25th April 2007. Notable participants included:

• Eva Mwai, Executive Director, St John Kenya
• Mr. Craig Troeberg, Executive Director, Priory of South Africa
• Mr. Willy Louw, Training Manager, Priory of South Africa

Outcomes and Key Developments

Numerous programs arose from the capacity development plan, including:

• A benchmarking visit to St John Kenya by the NES and the Accountant / Administrator, Mrs. Elizabeth Kaleebu
• Development of training modules such as:
  • First Aid and Home-Based Care Training of Trainers
  • Emergency Ambulance Management, with trainers from Gloucestershire
  • Incident Command Training, in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister

The period from 2005 onwards marked a remarkable transformation in St John Uganda, characterized by:

• Enhanced service delivery
• Increased income at the Secretariat
• Strengthened partnerships
• Sustainable growth

As a charitable organization, St John Uganda ensures that all surplus income—after covering staff salaries and utility costs—is reinvested into humanitarian work, including free First Aid and emergency ambulance services for the public.

Hosting the 2010 African Regional Meeting

Due to its exemplary performance and renewed organizational strength, St John Uganda was honored to host the African Regional Meeting from 22nd to 24th February 2010 at Hotel Africana, Kampala. The conference brought together delegates from across Africa and beyond, including:

• Countries represented: Cameroon, England, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
• International Order of St John officials in attendance:
  • Professor Villis Marshall, Sub Prior of St John
  • Pippa Hoyland, International Development Officer
  • Gemma Mullick, Head of Communications and Fundraising
  • Tahnee Wade, Support Coordinator

Uganda’s delegation included:

• Prof. Gordon Wavamunno, Chairman/Commander
• Mr. Joseph William Kiwanuka
• Dr. F.A. Mutyaba, Chief Surgeon of St John Uganda
• Mr. Chris Bakiza, Legal Counsel
• Justice Geoffrey Kirwabwire
• Mr. J.P. Elongot, Chairman, Planning and Development Committee
• Dr. Adam N. Kimala, Chairman, Medical and Welfare Committee
• Dr. J. Amandua, Ministry of Health Representative
• Mr. George William Katatumba, Chairman, Finance and General Purpose Committee
• Lt. Gen. Katumba Wamala, former Chief Commissioner of the Brigade
• Mr. Jude Musoke
• Brother J.P. Muramuzi, Brigade Representative
• Staff and volunteers, including:
  • Mrs. Elizabeth Kaleebu, Accountant/Administrator
  • Mrs. Christine Nandyose Kasirye, National Executive Secretary

The meeting was officially opened by Hon. Dr. Richard Nduhura, Minister of State for Health. Key areas discussed included:

• Volunteer recruitment and retention
• Governance and leadership within St John
• Sub Prior’s insights on possible international support to member Associations

St John Uganda’s Participation in Past African Regional Meetings

• 2004 – South Africa (Kempton Park Conference Centre) Represented by Mrs. Susan Samula, Accountant/Administrator, and Mr. George William Mukasa, Volunteer (Training).
  This meeting saw the development of LIFAC training and the Grand Prior’s Appeal for First Aid and Home-Based Care training.
• 2006 – Ghana (Erata Hotel, Okponglo East Legon) Attended by Mrs. Christine Nandyose Kasirye (NES) and Rt. Rev. Bishop Wilson Mutebi (Vice Chairman) Uganda led a session on Strategic Planning for Associations.
• 2008 – Mauritius (Calodyne Sur Mer)
• 2010 – Uganda (Hotel Africana, Kampala) – Host Nation
• 2011 – Nigeria (Orchid Hotel, Lagos) This meeting introduced the International Development Program (IDP), which gave birth to the “Mama na Mwana” (Mother and Baby) program.
  Interested Associations volunteered to pilot the initiative, beginning with a meeting at Masai Mara Lodge, Kenya (16–18 April 2012).
• 2014 – Cape Town, South Africa
• 2017 – Kenya Represented by Mr. Isaac Mutebi, Deputy Commissioner, and Rt. Rev. Bishop Wilson Mutebi
• 2019 – Lusaka, Zambia (26–27 February) Represented by Dr. Adam Kimala, Council Member, and Mrs. Christine Nandyose Kasirye, NES
• 2021 – Virtual Meeting Held online due to COVID-19 restrictions on large gatherings

Notable Workshops and Visits

Home-Based Care Workshop (18th -19th October 2007)

St John Uganda hosted all African Associations for a Home-Based Care Workshop at Speke Resort Hotel, Entebbe. The event enhanced cross-country learning and developed regional training capacity.

Distinguished Visitors to St John Uganda

• Professor Mellow, Lord Prior, and Lady Elizabeth Mellow (2013)
  • Advocated for the refurbishment of Christ the King Clinic in Bulumagi to serve underprivileged mothers and babies, a project championed by Prof. Gordon Wavamunno
• Mr. Anthony Chignell MBE, GCStJ, former Hospitaller of the Order (2016)
  • Conducted the investiture of 8 members, including the Knight of Grace
• Sir Malcolm Ross, Lord Prior, and Lady Susan Ross, accompanied by Sylvia Chopamba, Program Officer (14–20 May 2017)

St John Uganda at the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic

By the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, St John Uganda was experiencing a period of exceptional growth and performance. The organization had gained national and international visibility, attracting numerous visitors, partners, and development projects.

Operationally, the Association had expanded its logistics capacity and was able to procure five vehicles, including two ambulances and three office vehicles, significantly enhancing its service delivery and administrative efficiency.

The voluntary wing had seen impressive growth, with over 20 active divisions across the country and increasing numbers of committed volunteers. Simultaneously, the training wing had become highly active, with a rising number of trainers delivering corporate First Aid and emergency response training to a broad range of institutions and companies.

Additionally, the Secretariat and the various divisions were implementing numerous charity initiatives, including community outreach, public health sensitization, and emergency medical support. These activities not only fulfilled the humanitarian mission of St John Uganda but also elevated its visibility and reputation both locally and internationally.