Tribute to Mr Juma Bananuka (1982–2022)

Citation

Haniffa, R. and Hudaib, M. (2023), "Tribute to Mr Juma Bananuka (1982–2022)", Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, Vol. 14 No. 4, pp. 517-518. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIABR-03-2023-389

Mr Juma Bananuka, aged 40 years, was one of the dedicated and active Associate Editors of the Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research (JIABR) from Uganda who joined the team in December 2020. He died in Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala on 28 August 2022 where he was admitted for treatment during the early hours of 28 August 2022 after being brutally attacked by unknown people who broke into his house located in Bulenga–Bulaga Zone “B” off Mityana Road in Wakiso District, Uganda. He unfortunately succumbed to injuries inflicted all over his body by the unknown group of thugs who were adamant to cut short his life (https://kigezipost.com/mubs-lecturer-who-was-attacked-by-thugs-dies). He was buried on 29 August 2022.

Brother Juma was born on 9 April 1982 in Kaburisoke to Mrs Tibera Rehema (mother) and Mr Sebakara Rajab (father). He completed his high school from Kyabenda Secondary School, Kamwenge District, Uganda, before joining Makerere University in Kampala to complete his diploma in business administration in 2008, bachelor in commerce (accounting) in 2013, MSc in accounting and finance in 2016 and after approval by his doctoral committee, he had submitted his PhD thesis and was due for a viva voce before he died. After completing his diploma and while pursuing his undergraduate degree, he started his career as an Accountant at Sameer Agriculture and Livestock Ltd in Kampala from June 2010 till August 2013. He began his teaching career in September 2013 and at the same time pursued his postgraduate studies and was looking forward to his viva voce and attending his PhD graduation ceremony with his loved ones before his untimely death.

He was an active researcher at Makerere University and was devoted and passionate in advancing research that will contribute to the development of Africa, especially Uganda, as well as contributing to the Muslim and non-Muslim communities alike. His research interest included sustainability accounting, financial accounting, integrated reporting, auditing as well as Islamic accounting and financial institutions. He secured four research grants and the titles of projects completed were as follows: The adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards, Institutional pressures, environmental management practices and environmental performance, Assessing Uganda's oil and gas players’ corporate social responsibility readiness for social compliance in the Albertine region and Capacity building in education and research for economic governance in Uganda. He had published 20 articles between 2017 and 2021 in various journals (www.researchgate.net/profile/Bananuka-Juma; https://ug.linkedin.com/in/juma-bananuka-444a681a9).

Mr Bananuka was a good team player, hardworking and pleasant. He used to send WhatsApp greetings to Professor Hudaib on Fridays updating him about himself and tasks with JIABR. He sent his last one a day before the fatal attack and two days later it was shocking to get news of his death from his colleague and one of his PhD supervisors, Professor Twaha Kaawaase (others on his doctoral committee are Professor Stephen Nkundabanyanga; Dr Isaac Nkote; Dr Racheal Mindra Katoroogo; and Dr Isaac Newton Kayongo).

Mr Bananuka is survived by his widow, Rashidah Birungi Kadaali, and children, Ainembabazi Ummayrah Bananuka (13), Tumukunde Abdulrahman Bananuka (10), Nowembabazi Imran Bananuka (8), Akatukunda Tumukunde Rahiimah Bananuka (5) and Ainemaani Ummayyah Bananuka Nyangabo ( 1).

On behalf of the publisher and editorial team of JIABR, we convey our heartfelt condolences to his family for the great loss.

May Allah Almighty grant brother Juma a place among the righteous in Jannatul Firdous and forgive all his shortcomings. Ameen.

Editors of Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research (JIABR)

Professor Ros Haniffa and Professor Mohammad Hudaib