Architect Henry William Sentoogo, the brilliant mind behind Uganda’s most iconic structures, has breathed his last on August 21, 2023. The architectural arena, both local and abroad, is reeling from the loss of this visionary creator.
From the regal Mapeera House to the majestic Bank of Uganda, the stately Entebbe State House Lodge to the sprawling Entebbe airport expansion, the luxurious Sheraton Hotel to the transformed Christ the King Church, and even the grand Communications House – all of these stand as living monuments to the genius of Architect Henry William Sentoogo.
At the age of 87, Sentoogo’s artistic journey has come to an end. His passion for architectural marvels burned bright, ignited during his formative years in Kenya and further fueled by his education in the United Kingdom.
Paying tribute to the departed maestro, Dr. Architect Kenneth Ssemwogerere, a distinguished educator at Makerere University’s college of architecture and engineering, paints a portrait of Sentoogo as a paragon of integrity, cloaked in humility, and ablaze with professional ardor.
Dr. Ssemwogerere notes that Sentoogo held his knowledge close, never one to compromise on his principles or share his craft haphazardly.
The ambitious NSSF Pension Tower had the fortune of being one of Sentoogo’s final projects before the curtain fell on his remarkable journey.
In the words of long-time confidant Pawulo Mugerwa, Sentoogo was not just an adviser, but an adviser without equal – a man whose heart overflowed with unconditional love for his fellow human beings.
A devoted and God-fearing soul, Mildred Warugaba, Sentoogo’s beloved wife, depicts her partner as a beacon of love, radiating his affection for all to see. With 40 years of companionship and nine children to their name, their love story is etched into the very fabric of their life’s work.
Sentoogo’s influence reached far beyond Uganda’s borders. Honored as a member of the union of architects in Bulgaria, he garnered accolades like the King George VI Award, Senegal’s esteemed Commander of the Lion, and the illustrious Mandela Presidential Award, all recognizing his monumental contributions to the world of architecture.
Serving as the president of the Uganda Society of Architects from 2001 to 2003, Sentoogo’s leadership and legacy were undisputed. His affiliations included esteemed institutions like the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Royal Town Planning Institute UK, the Uganda Society of Architects, and the Architectural Association of Kenya, among others.
In accordance with his wife’s wishes, Sentoogo’s body currently rests with A Plus Funeral Services, soon to be transported to the iconic Christ the King Church in Kampala for a final mass on Saturday, August 26. The following day, the procession will move to the Rubaga Cathedral, where a vigil will be held in the intimate setting of their Lubowa Wakiso district home.
Finally, on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, Sentoogo’s earthly journey will reach its conclusion as he finds his resting place in Kitende, Ssekiwunga village. The world may have lost a visionary, but his indelible marks on Uganda’s landscape and the hearts he touched will forever stand as a testament to his grand design.
