Wanda: The Man Who Lived A Wonderful Life

Over the years, I have been humbly honored by compliments acknowledging the above-average quality of my marital relationship with the man of my youth. This year, God willing, we will celebrate 15 remarkable years together. Such compliments are truly humbling, given that I and yours truly came not from your contemporary model household. Whereas I was raised by a single mother, hubby came from a polygamous family. Out of that dysfunctionality, God continues to amaze us with churning a beautiful story out of our previous rubble.

A significant part of our journey has been shaped by the extraordinary people God placed in our path. Among them, Elder Charles John Wanda stands out.

Charles John Wanda 

Just ten days after our wedding in 2010, my husband and I relocated to Mukono, where I began my new role at Uganda Christian University. We settled in Kauga, near the majestic Blessed Christian Church. It was there that we met Elder Wanda—a tall, handsome, hardworking, soft-spoken man whose demeanor immediately conveyed his fatherly nature. He quickly became an integral part of our lives, alongside his dear wife and their wonderful family of six sons.

Each time I think about the words of Psalm 127:5 ‘... blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them...’ my mind runs to Elder Wanda. His quiver, which he visibly shepherded with integrity and skill leaves one in sheer admiration.

On March 27, 2025, Elder Wanda departed from this world to join his Maker. The news was deeply shocking and felt untimely, yet I find peace in knowing that God does not make mistakes. It seemed like the ‘wrongest’ time for him to depart. I remembered that there is never a perfect time to die. I find comfort that God, who is the author of our lives did not have an Oops moment when our dear one departed. He knew his life, before he even got intricately woven in his mother’s womb.  I choose to trust His timing of recalling His son home.

We have seen first hand Elder Wanda model humility, hard work and faithful service. We have seen him fold his sleeves to get his hands dirty. We have seen him model what a godly husband and father should be. It is on such giants’ shoulders where we have stood, and thus far we have come. It is in such circles that hubby has gotten mentorship on what it means to be a man. The seeds of Elder Wanda, in nurturing a new breed of godly, humble and hardworking men are not in vain.

When Dr. Mary Wanda attained the highest academic accolade, a PhD, we were privileged to be present at the family Thanksgiving service.

 I remember yours truly cheekily whispered to me ‘I long for the day when you will make me the husband of a doctor.’

We both laughed at the joke, and I reassured him that I too looked forward in anticipation for the day he would make me Mukyala Doctor.

Dr. Mary’s PhD accolade communicates volumes. Behind it is a secure man who supported the wife to thrive, both at home and in the boardroom. What a man!

I was privileged to teach elder Wanda’s offspring, Christopher Abraham, in the class of Journalism, Media and Communication at Uganda Christian University. A fruit indeed doesn’t fall far from the tree. Children say a lot about where they come from. I have known the other sons as fine, focused young men. Elder Wanda was clearly a present father, hands-on in raising his offspring. He has bequeathed Uganda with fine seed, his legacy will live on. Dr. Mary shared some of their secrets to nurturing the boychild when she was hosted on the Online Church of Uganda Men’s Lounge. I encourage you to glean from her wealth of wisdom here: Nurturing the Boy child with Dr Mary Wanda

Undoubtedly, elder Wanda John Charles lived a wonderful life. I will cherish the warmth, wisdom and good vibes you spread wherever you went. The beautiful tribute poem from his wife reflects the depth of his love and devotion to his family and those blessed to cross his path.

                            THE HUMBLE GIANT

              Dr. Mary Wanda (PhD)

Grand and tall he stood.  Towering over most.

 A strong pillar, steadfast, fearless, a solid rock.

In his large shadow all felt safe, hearing his big heart beating softly and kind, 

A love vast and unconfined.

"Who is this?" The distant man asks.

He gently waves hello to the stranger, bringing peace with a smile to all he meets.

Husband, father, brother, friend, a beloved son of the Almighty God.

 

A husband, rich in tender care. Loving his beloved with all in him. Pampering her as the queen he adored. Forever at her side no matter what.

A father whose love knew no bounds. He poured his soul, heart, love and all into his sons. Paving their way to learn and grow, dream and pray. 

A friend who cherished, gave his all and showed up always.

 

No gift too small, no place too far, 

 He walked his steps,

Humble, fearing the Lord and doing his best.

Leading with vision and gentle giant love.

 

And when the race drew near its close. With weary breath, his heart still chose,

To shield the ones he loved, to ease their pain. 

To whisper words both wise and kind. 

"It is well," he said as he began his walk towards the open arms of the father above.

 

The applause follows from behind, as the humble giant walks towards the Lord. 

"Well done, good and faithful one," the Lord receives him.

 

 A humble giant, bold yet meek,

In love, in strength, in all he’d speak.

His presence forever, never gone,

In the hearts he touched he will live forever.

Farewell our beloved.

Heaven awaits.

Farewell, Elder Wanda. Your transition is heaven’s gain and earth’s profound loss. Through it all, we declare, “It is well with our souls.” With Jesus in the boat, we can weather even the fiercest storms.

©Prim K. Tumuramye

Prim is a Christian, wife, mother and communications specialist. She is passionate about reading, writing, youth mentorship and intentional parenting.