Annette Kezaabu. PHOTO/ EDGAR R. BATTE
Many Ugandans recognise Annette Kezaabu as the "anti-pornography woman," a title she earned following her appointment as Chairperson of the Pornography Control Committee in 2017. While her role sparked widespread online chatter and even humor, those familiar with Kezaabu’s life story were not surprised. Her appointment was not a random twist of fate but the culmination of a life deeply rooted in faith, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to her values.
From an early age, Kezaabu’s life was shaped by the strong spiritual foundation laid by her mother. A devout and prayerful woman, Kezaabu’s mother instilled in her the importance of hard work, integrity, and resilience.
She explains, “Obedience to God has been vital in guiding my decisions and actions, ensuring I stay true to my purpose. Perseverance is key- staying focused, overcoming obstacles, and continually striving for excellence, no matter how difficult the path may seem.”
A dream differed
Kezaabu’s childhood dream was to become a lawyer so she could get justice for individuals, particularly women in her community who were often denied their rightful inheritance. Kezaabu had witnessed, firsthand, the struggles her father went through with land cases. She did not become a lawyer and thanks to what could be God’s sense of humour, she later married one. Kezaabu is an academic and respected communication expert with a special specialty in health.
She is currently the Head of the Department at the School of Journalism, Media, and Communication at Uganda Christian University, Mukono. In the role, she has played a pivotal part in curriculum development, research supervision, and mentorship, shaping the academic landscape of communication studies. Hers is a journey that reflects her commitment to growth, learning, and leadership.
Starting out
She started out as a call centre representative at Uganda Telecom where she quickly transitioned to a customer relations manager. She left the job to further her academic career and moved to South Africa to study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she earned an Honours degree in Culture, Communication and Media Studies. She then pursued a Master’s in Health Communication and later a PhD in Health Promotion Psychology. In 2012, she joined Makerere University as an assistant lecturer while completing her PhD. After three years, she transitioned to Kampala International University (KIU) as Principal of Higher Degrees and Research and was later promoted to Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs. After her tenure at KIU, she took three years off to relax, spend time with family and travel.
She later joined Uganda Christian University (UCU), where she currently serves as a Senior Lecturer and Head of Department at the School of Journalism, Media, and Communication. Her job entails providing academic leadership, oversee curriculum development, and ensure quality education in postgraduate programs as well as teaching and mentoring students, supervising their research, and guiding their academic and professional growth.
Personal and professional growth
Annette Kezaabu’s accomplishments are a testament to her unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. She attributes her success to a mindset of continuous learning, adaptability, and a passion for sharing knowledge to drive meaningful change in her field.
“I also had the support of a loving family who encouraged me to pursue my dreams and always believed in me. Their prayers and support gave me the strength to face challenges and turn them into opportunities,” she adds.
One of Kezaabu’s greatest sources of fulfillment is her role as an educator and mentor. As the head of the journalism school at Uganda Christian University (UCU), she finds immense satisfaction in shaping the next generation of journalists, media professionals, and researchers. “Seeing my students grow in knowledge, confidence, and skill is incredibly rewarding,” she says. “Knowing that I play a role in nurturing ethical, informed, and responsible communicators who will influence society in meaningful ways gives me a deep sense of purpose.”
Being able to build partnerships, engage in policy discussions, and contribute to positive change makes her work even more meaningful.
Role models
If there is one person, dead or alive, Kezaabu would invite for a sit-down over a cup of coffee, it would be Eleanor Roosevelt whose life and work were profoundly shaped by her deep belief in God, and her unwavering commitment to human rights, social justice, and equality continues to inspire her.
“I would love to ask her about how her faith influenced her advocacy for the marginalised, and how she remained resilient and focused on her mission, especially in the face of opposition. I’d also be curious about how she balanced her role as the First Lady with her activism, and how she managed to stay grounded in her Christian beliefs while fighting for universal dignity and human rights.”
She also adds, “I would want to discuss with her philosophy of service, particularly her belief in the power of individuals to create change, no matter their circumstances. I’d love to hear her thoughts on how faith can empower people to take action and make a lasting impact in the world, particularly in today’s complex and often divided society.
Eleanor’s words, such as “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness,” have always inspired with the communication expert.
What they say
Her peers describe her as intelligent, consistent and principled. A former colleague who is currently serving as Vice Chancellor of Equator University, Mouhamad Mpezamihigo says that Dr. Kezaabu has a strategic mindset and the ability to inspire and mobilise teams toward a shared goal.
Adolf Mbaine, another friend and former colleague says that her expertise in health communication, media, governance, and research makes her a valuable resource in academic and professional circles.
Prof. Monica B. Chibita, a colleague and former dean School of Journalism Media and Communication at UCU says that Kezaabu’s commitment to community engagement, ethical leadership, and social responsibility is evident in the fellow academic’s work.
Hon. Rosemary Lilly Akello, Minister of Ethics and Integrity says Kezaabu’s professionalism is marked by honesty, ethics, and a strong moral compass while Multimedia Journalism and Digital Communications consultant, Gerald Businge, says she is a versatile communication academic professional.
Achievements
Besides making and keeping friends, the biggest opportunity her career has brought to her is the ability to influence and shape the future of communication, media, and research- both in academia and society. She has always loved to travel and see the world as well as participate in global conferences of impact, and her career has opened such doors and important rooms that she could never have imagined.
