Dr Jack Smith gives a speech during a staff meeting at Makerere University. He was a faithful servant whose humility, wit, and boundless compassion built bridges, ignited dreams, and turned classrooms into life-changing sanctuaries. PHOTO/COURTESY DR SMITH
For a man who cherished a quiet, humble life and lived with an air of privacy, writing his obituary is perhaps something Dr Jack Smith himself would have resisted. Ironically, writing personal obituaries was a task he often assigned to his creative writing students back in the day at Makerere University’s Department of Journalism and Communication, where he lodged countless teaching hours.
Dr Smith’s story, although, deserves to be told, if only to honour the extraordinary legacy he left behind and the countless lives he touched. In many ways, however, doing so feels like breaking the rules, a notion Dr Smith himself might have appreciated. Known for his aversion to inefficiency, he often defied convention when necessary to get things done.
“He was impatient with systems that didn’t work. He broke the rules where it was necessary,” remarked a close friend of Dr Smith, during his memorial service at Kampala Baptist Church on Wednesday.
This blend of humility and quiet rebellion defined much of Dr Smith’s approach to life and work. He was not one for the spotlight. Smith lived in a hidden way, wanting to strengthen others and not to receive the attention. As an educator, he believed in challenging norms and encouraging his students to think critically and creatively. Assignments like penning their own obituaries were not just exercises in self-reflection but lessons in storytelling and authenticity—values he held dear.
A calling beyond borders
Born on September 25, 1940, in Michigan, USA, Sidney “Jack” Smith seemed destined for a quiet, conventional life. But his deep faith and calling to serve steered him toward a life of extraordinary adventure and impact. Growing up in a religious community, Jack Smith turned away from Christianity after witnessing hypocrisy, given a troubling gap between the teachings and the actions of the people around him, declaring himself an atheist and joining a humanist club.
This trajectory shifted when he encountered a man whose genuine faith was centered on a personal relationship with Jesus rather than empty rituals. Over eight months of thoughtful dialogue, Jack’s skepticism softened, and he eventually embraced Jesus as his Savior, a decision that redefined his purpose.
“It was life-changing,” says Kirk Slater, Jack’s close friend and colleague at Venture Africa, a non-profit organization, whose mission is engaging the world for gospel impact. “That man didn’t just preach to Jack; he listened, cared, and challenged him. It shaped who Jack became for the rest of us—a mentor who truly listened and helped us grow.”
Jack’s journey took him through diverse paths. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Education from Michigan State University in 1963, Smith taught English in secondary school before pursuing a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Missiology at Western Theological Seminary in Portland, Oregon, graduating in 1967 and 1989, respectively. Thereafter, his passion for ministry grew more as he worked in youth programs, church planting, and even refugee support. It was his work with refugees that broadened his vision, opening his heart to global ministry.
Embracing Uganda
Smith’s decision to become a missionary led him to Uganda in the early 1980s, a time when most expatriates were leaving the country due to instability. His appointment by World Venture to work with the Baptist Union of Uganda marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
Dr Smith embraced Uganda as his home. Ten years ago, he applied for and got permanent residence in Uganda, immersing himself in the culture, dedicating himself to sharing the message of Jesus, and nurturing young people’s hearts and minds.
Dr Smith’s work here was expansive yet often understated. From founding the Kampala Evangelical School of Theology to teaching and ministering at Makerere University, Butabika Hospital, Luzira Prison, a remand home, and Mulago hospital, Dr. Smith’s impact was far-reaching.
“He came to Uganda when everyone else was leaving,” recalled Martin Lwanga, one of his early mentees at Makerere. “He gave us hope and developed our faith in Christ. He had a way of communicating to young adults. He wasn’t only a teacher but a brother in Christ.”
Dr Smith’s ability to connect with people, regardless of background, made him more than a missionary; he became a brother and a builder of communities.
“He didn’t seek recognition,” Slater reflects, adding: “Jack cared deeply and trained people, often in quiet ways. His humility and dedication to Christ were always at the forefront.”
Even in his later years, Dr Smith’s commitment to growth and connection never waned. At 70, he began learning Luganda so he could pray with patients in the cancer ward in their native language.
“He was always learning,” Slater says. Each year, Dr Smith retreated for three weeks of spiritual renewal at a monastery, using the time to pray and meditate. His humility defined him. He never sought accolades or recognition, preferring to serve quietly. He practiced a rare spiritual discipline of hiddenness, choosing to remain in the background while providing scholarships, covering medical bills, and supporting those in need.
Beyond the classroom
Dr Smith began his teaching career at Makerere University in 1985 as a guest lecturer in the Department of Psychology. Over the years, his influence expanded to multiple faculties, including Religious Studies, Journalism and Mass Communication, and the Faculty of Medicine, where he introduced counselling courses.
Dr Smith’s teaching style was anything but conventional. From using skits during classes to hosting celebratory end-of-semester events, he made learning a memorable and transformative experience.
“Our classes were more than a show; they were transformative,” shared Julius Turyatunga, a former student.
Dr Smith often acted in his skits, ensuring every student found a role to play for a better understanding of a subject matter.
In photojournalism classes, he used innovative methods to inspire his students. Dr Sara Namusoga, a lecturer in the Journalism department, recalls how Dr Smith would develop and print students’ photos for free, rewarding the best photo with a cash prize. Mr Julius Mucunguzi, the spokesperson of the Electoral Commission, highlighted how Dr Smith introduced them to manual cameras before the advent of digital technology in the 1990s.
Dr Smith’s public speaking workshops, open to all students, became legendary. Justice Michael Chibita, a former student, credits Dr Smith with teaching him how to speak persuasively.
“He taught me how to speak in a way that made people clap,” Justice Chibita disclosed.
Dr Smith believed education should transcend academia, equipping students with life skills and confidence for the real world.
Beyond the classroom, Dr Smith’s compassion shone brightly. He quietly supported students who struggled to pay tuition, funded Bible study groups, and addressed countless financial needs.
“He wasn’t just a teacher; he was a mentor and friend,” said David Nkugwa, a former student, who benefited from Jack’s generosity during tough times.
Loved people, loved God
He also shaped Uganda’s media landscape by mentoring journalism students and conducting workshops for Members of Parliament, ensuring the ripple effect of his teachings reached the highest levels of society.
“Jack loved people. He saw potential in everyone and invested in them, whether spiritually, academically, or personally,” Justice Chibita reflected.
Dr Smith was not exclusive; he nurtured everyone, often involving himself personally in their growth.
“Where possible, he put his skin in it,” Chibita said, emphasising the deceased’s hands-on approach to helping others.
Dr Gerald Walulya, who co-lectured Public Speaking with the deceased, described him as a compassionate educator.
“Every Saturday, Jack hosted a class fellowship at Acacia Mall, sharing breakfast on his bill,” Dr Walulya said.
At the end of each semester, Dr Smith celebrated with his students by cutting cake and quietly supporting those in financial need.
Dr Smith’s humour added to his charm. He often posed thought-provoking questions such as:
“Would you prefer a short but sweet life or a long but miserable one?”
He once joked about his decision not to marry, noting:
“Men waste time on women and don’t get time to read books”; although it was clear his decision came from a place of deep conviction.
His decision not to marry was rooted in his faith. Inspired by Apostle Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians 7:29-35, he believed his singleness allowed him to serve God more fully.
Final days
Dr Smith continued to lecture, mentor, and minister with remarkable dedication well into his 80s, even holding some lectures at Makerere University this semester. However, his final years were marked by physical challenges. Between July and August last year, Dr Smith’s health deteriorated significantly. He suffered a series of mini-strokes, one of which likely caused a fall that broke his arm, requiring a prolonged recovery.
During surgery, he developed pneumonia, which further weakened him.
Dr Smith succumbed to the effects of his illnesses and died peacefully on Monday. True to his wishes, he will be laid to rest in Uganda, the country he embraced as his home. According to his close friend, Slater, Dr Smith had requested that his funeral and burial arrangements remain private. He is survived by his sister, Marcia Thomas, who resides in the USA.
