The Old Lion of Africa

Dr. Walter Nyamori Masiga’s life story is an extended miracle of sorts. He stayed in his mother’s womb for three years, was immobilized by yellow fever at five years of age, and was so done with life when he lost his father at a tender age that he failed his first-ever exam.

Yet he went on to earn the highest accolades from some of the best universities in the world. And when he joined the world of work, holding some of the highest positions in the world of science and research, his name became synonymous with the eradication of rinderpest in Africa. His sterling record saw his European peers fondly christen him ‘The Old Lion of Africa’.

In this inspiring book, he recounts his life as a scientist and as an official of the AFC Leopards football club, at a time when Ingwe pounced so menacingly that they always maintained their signature 3-0 win.

Dr. Masiga recalls brushing shoulders with the high and mighty at home and in faraway lands, as well as meeting his future wife, the late Elizabeth Semo Masiga, who later rose to become a permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education.