By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu and Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
MBARARA
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has challenged religious leaders in different denominations to emulate the late Emeritus Archbishop of Mbarara Paul Kaamuza Bakyenga to preach the gospel of both spiritual and socioeconomic transformation.
Museveni who was represented by his vice Maj Gen Jessica Alupo said that the late Archbishop was leading exemplary to christians.
“He has lived a life of hard work that proved to many people the virtue of leading by example through starting schools and other humanitarian projects,” Museveni said
The president commended the good works of late Bakyenga towards nation development bringing services close to people.
Speaking at the burial ceremony, Bishop Anthony Zziwa, the Bishop of Kiyinda- Mityana Diocese also Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference said that the late Bishop was a true pastor and shepherd of the flock entrusted to him by the Lord.
” He had an ardent love for his flock and the universal church which he also served fervently in different capacities,” Bishop Zziwa said
On the other hand, the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda H.E Luigi Bianco is grateful to the Lord for the generous pastoral ministry of Archbishop Bakyenga.
“The church is grateful to God and to him for his generous pastoral ministry in the vineyard of the Lord as a priest and as a Bishop for many years,” Apostolic Nuncio Luigi Bianco said.
Archbishop Bakyenga was born on 30th June, 1944 in Bumbaire Igara Bushenyi district and passed away on Tuesday 18th July, 2023 at St. Francis hospital Nsambya, Kampala three years after the presentation of his renunciation for reaching the canonical age limit. He was buried today on Sunday 23rd July, 2023 inside Our Lady of Perpetual Help Nyamitanga Cathedral in Mbarara City.
He will be remembered among numerous things his great sense of humor, cheerfulness, interpersonal relationships, love for peace, reconciliation and deep faith in God.