In Memorium: Professor Balam Nyeko Print E-mail
Friday, 21 August 2009 15:06
By: Professor Ackson M. Kanduza, University of Botswana and SAHS EXCO member
Originally posted on H-SAfrica 18 August 2009

It is with great sadness to inform historians of Africa and scholars of African studies about the early death of a reknown African intellectual, Prof. Balam Nyeko, on Sunday 16 August 2009. He died in a private hospital in Nelspruit, South Africa. He was a professor of History at the University of Swaziland for several years. He had taught at the National University of Lesotho before joining the University of Swaziland.  From 1977 to 1972 Prof. Nyeko taught at the University of Zambia.

An outstanding undergraduate student in the late 1960s and an engaging graduate of Makerere University in the mid 1970s, he became one of the leading scholars of Southern African political, social and economic history. He studied African history from African institutions.  However, he held several visiting fellowships to universities in the United Kingdom and the Unites States of America.  This is among those special achievements of Prof. Nyeko who worked as an expatriate in institutions which reserved visiting fellowships for local scholars. He became both a citizen of Southern Africa and of the region's leading scholars. Having completed a doctoral thesis on Swazilan in 1977 for the University of Makerere, he became the autoritative bibiographer and historiagrapher on Swaziland.  He related Southern African historiographies to those on the whole African continental with outstanding comprehension. Clarity of expression and thought; and his organising skills inspired many undergraduate and graduate students. His simple life style and frank expression and attitude endeared Prof. Nyeko to many who sought opportunity in the African academy.

Balam Nyeko was born in Guru District in Uganda on 23 May 1944. He is survived by his devoted wife, Janet Nyeko. Janet was an intellectual complement whom Balam was proud of. Balam is also survived with five children (two daughters and three sons) and four grandchildren. He will be buried at his home village, Lalogi, Guru District in Uganda.