Africa-Press – Uganda. Helmut Paul Gauff passed away on January 5, 2026. He was 94 and he was everything.
Gauff will be remembered not only as a pioneering engineer and global entrepreneur, but as a compassionate philanthropist whose life’s work touched communities far beyond boardrooms and construction sites.
For more than six decades, he combined professional excellence with a deep commitment to public service, leaving behind a legacy firmly rooted in human dignity, shared progress and lasting friendship.Born on June 1, 1931, Helmut P. Gauff’s remarkable journey began in 1958 when he took a bold leap into independence as a consulting engineer in Germany. That decision marked the beginning of an extraordinary career that would span continents and generations.
What distinguished Gauff from many of his peers was not only his technical brilliance, but his conviction that development must serve people first.His relationship with Africa began in earnest in 1965 when a development project took him to Gabon. That experience proved transformative. He developed a deep admiration for the continent and its people, an appreciation that would shape the rest of his life. From that moment on, Africa was no longer just a place of work for Helmut Gauff; it became a place of purpose.
In keeping with his philosophy of staying close to clients and communities, Gauff invested heavily in establishing project offices and engineering branches across Africa, long before it became fashionable for international firms to do so.
His work contributed to some of the continent’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Transgabonais Railway in 1972, which saw 900 kilometres of track laid across Gabon, opening up vast regions to trade and development.
In 1978, he played a leading role in the construction of a 1,300-metre-long dam to secure water supply for what would later become Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja.Uganda held a particularly special place in Helmut Gauff’s heart. His commitment to the country was both early and enduring.
In the 1980s, at a time when access to clean and reliable water was a major challenge, he led and supported initiatives whose benefits are still felt today. Through master planning and construction supervision, he contributed to water supply systems in Kampala, Jinja and Entebbe, extending social amenities that improved health, dignity and economic opportunity for thousands of Ugandans.
In later years, his forward-looking vision continued to shape Uganda’s development agenda. He was instrumental in championing the development of the Bukasa Inland Port, a strategic national infrastructure project designed to strengthen Uganda’s regional connectivity and trade potential.
It was work driven not by personal gain, but by a belief in the long-term prosperity of the country.
Beyond engineering and infrastructure, Helmut Gauff believed deeply in giving back. In 1988, he founded GAUFF Engineering together with one of his sons, ensuring continuity of values as well as technical excellence.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements as an entrepreneur, he was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit, First Class, by the Federal Republic of Germany in 2001.
Yet even that honour did not define him as much as his generosity did. His strong bond with Africa led him to go beyond business altogether. In 2008, he founded the GAUFF Foundation, formalising years of quiet philanthropy through aid projects and social initiatives aimed at uplifting communities, particularly in developing regions.
In Uganda, Helmut Gauff’s generosity also found expression in sport and social life. For 21 years, he was one of the biggest sponsors of Entebbe Club, a relationship that went far beyond financial support.
He believed in the power of sport to bring people together, build character and foster community. His support strengthened the club’s ability to serve as a social anchor and a place of belonging for many.
Until the impressive age of 94, Helmut P. Gauff remained a highly respected business partner, advisor and friend.
He continued to offer wisdom, encouragement and guidance with humility and warmth, never losing sight of the human impact behind every project.
As family, friends, colleagues and community members gather today at Protea Hotel Kololo to celebrate his life, they will be honouring a man whose legacy is written not only in steel, concrete and blueprints, but in flowing water, connected communities and lives made better through service.
Helmut Paul Gauff lived a full life, defined by purpose, generosity and enduring friendship. His work will continue to serve generations to come. His memory will continue to inspire.
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