By Chris Mugasha
It has been difficult to find the right words to describe the loss of Dr. Stephen Asiimwe. But let me borrow from Tooro’s recently trending expression: “Amate gatikire!” — the milk has poured away.
If you were a close friend of Asiimwe, you will agree with me that the cream is gone, and the milk has poured down.
I grew up seeing Asiimwe as a true cream boy — brown, slender, always calm, neat and composed. I admired him from a distance. To many of us, he seemed to belong to a class apart, someone whose standards were difficult to measure up to.
Whenever Asiimwe passed by, people could not help but notice him. Someone would always ask, “Who is that clean gentleman?” He always stood out — not only because of his appearance, but also because of his intelligence, color and calm presence.
As life moved on, Asiimwe remained one of the cream gentlemen among us.
I never imagined that one day I would have the privilege of sitting around a table and having meaningful conversations with this man I had admired from a distance for so long.
My profession (journalism) eventually gave me that opportunity. I began listening to Asiimwe’s presentations and quoting him, particularly on matters of health. Even then, he remained a man of exceptional knowledge and character.
But what eventually brought us closer was something we both deeply cherished — nature and conservation.
Asiimwe followed my social media pages, and gradually our paths crossed more frequently. Before long, I found myself sitting around a table, sharing ideas and conversations with the very “cream man” I had admired for years.
It was then that I discovered how much I had missed by simply watching him from a distance.
Behind the distinguished doctor was a humble, social and simple man. A satisfied and down-to-earth gentleman. A friend. A family man. A conservationist. And above all, a God-fearing man.
Dr. Asiimwe, you have left us at a time when some of us had only just begun to tap into your wisdom, vast knowledge, experience and friendship.
The many times you visited our Muga eco Village/lodge with your family will forever remain special memories. The tree you planted at our eco-lodge will continue to grow, and every time we see it, we will remember you. That tree has become part of your legacy among us.
Much as you were a class- apart, you were deeply passionate about sustainable living and conservation. In the many conversations we shared, you spoke with enthusiasm about the future and the many things you still hoped to accomplish in the above field.
Your Omusheshe Eco Lodge is perhaps one of the clearest signatures of your passion. It stands as a contribution to Uganda’s tourism, conservation and sustainable-living journey — a legacy that will continue to speak long after your departure.
Dear Dr. Asiimwe, it is difficult to accept that you are gone.
It feels like the cream has suddenly disappeared from the milk.
Amate gatikire!
But perhaps the cream has not truly disappeared. Perhaps it has simply become part of the legacy you have left behind — in the people you touched, the family you loved, the patients you served, the trees you planted, the conversations you inspired, and the places you helped create.
Your life was a gift.
Your friendship was a privilege.
Your legacy of being a pace setter, being adventurous…. will live on.
Rest in peace, Dr. Asiimwe.
The cream is gone — but the memories, the lessons and the legacy remain.
Who is Dr. Asiimwe
He has been Ugandan physician, epidemiologist and public-health researchers; he is a prominent health researcher and physician based around Mbarara/Sheema.
Dr Asiimwe is a physician scientist and epidemiologist with more than two decades of experience in clinical medicine, public health, health systems, and medical research in Uganda.
He trained in MBChB – Makerere University (1999), MS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics – Case Western Reserve University, USA (2006)
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Epidemiology and Health Policy – University of Georgia, USA (2013).
Dr.Asiimwe has worked in clinical practice, Uganda’s health system, civil society and academia. He previously served as Executive Director of Integrated Community Based Initiatives (ICOBI), an organization involved in HIV, TB, malaria and community-health interventions.
He is associated with the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST)–Massachusetts General Hospital Global Health Collaborative, where he has been serving as Program Director/Director of the Global Health Collaborative. The partnership brings together institutions including MUST, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and international academic partners.
He has also been involved with the Kabwohe Clinical Research Centre (KCRC) in Sheema District and has been involved in clinical and community-based research, particularly HIV prevention and other public-health studies.
His research portfolio has expanded beyond HIV to areas including lung health, air pollution, ageing and HIV, cognitive impairment, COPD and implementation/public-health research. Uganda’s national research registry lists several of his current and recent studies.
He is also listed as a consultant in the Department of Community Health at MUST and has an extensive publication record.
Dr Asiimwe is particularly a celebrated health practitioner in Western Uganda because of his long-standing involvement in Mbarara’s academic, clinical and community-health research ecosystem, including MUST and KCRC. He has also been involved in the AIDS Information Centre (AIC) Mbarara, where a 2026 AIC notice identifies him as the Mbarara Regional Advisory Committee chairperson. End.
