UGANDA: Leaders Eulogize Late Archbishop Emeritus Bakyenga for Leadership
The Late Archbishop Paul K. Bakyenga
Fr Isaac Ojok and Masereka Peter
Although people would not miss to mourn the demise of their loved ones, leaders in Uganda have eulogized the late Archbishop Emeritus of Mbarara Arch diocese Most Rev Paul K. Bakyenga which occurred on 18th July 2023 at Nsambya hospital in Kampala, Uganda.
The death of the late Archbishop who passed on at 79 years, was announced by the Archbishop of Mbarara Most Rev Lambert Bainomugisha to the clergy, the Christians and the general population in and beyond the country.
Reacting to the death of Archbishop Bakyenga, Rt. Rev Sabino Ochan Odoki the bishop of Arua Diocese in North Western Uganda noted that late Archbishop Emeritus Bakyenga was very relevant to the people, straight forward on point and focused on the mission that was set before him, meaning that was the reason why his life and leadership has left a significant impact in the lives of many Ugandans.
He went on to describe the deceased as somebody who was a great teacher who loved the students and staff at the time when he served as Rector at St Mary’s National Major Seminary Ggaba Kampala, chairman of the Commission for Priestly Formation of Uganda Episcopal Conference respectively.
While sharing more with AMECEA news correspondent, Bishop Ochan Odoki further revealed that he knew the late Arch bishop Bakyenga from the Seminary as a jolly and humorous person who could interact freely with people and easy to work with.
Bishop Ochan said he still remembers the late Archbishop as a determined leader who dedicated his life for the church at the time when he served as chairman Uganda Episcopal conference and AMECEA respectively.
“I just want to give message of condolence to the Archbishop of Mbarara and to all the people of Mbarara Archdiocese that I am with you during this trying moment, and am praying for the peaceful repose of the late Bishop that God may reward him for the good work he has done”, Bishop Sabino said in a statement.
Meanwhile many priests and the Religious said the late Archbishop was a great servant of integrity, whose faith helped to inspire and shape the lives of many who interacted with him.
Relatedly, the civil and political authorities in the country say that late Archbishop Bakyenga was a spiritual mentor at all times who assisted many Christians to live uprightly.
Among them is the deputy speaker of the National Parliament of Uganda Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa who acknowledged that late Archbishop Bakyenga has been a spiritual father, a cheer leader and counsellor to many.
The deputy speaker went on to say Archbishop Paul Bakyenga has been a rare breed of preacher whose message could resonate with the congregation.
“He personally urged me as a leader to always find time to speak to God in a quiet place every day and embark on a journey of spiritual self –discovery. This has helped me so much to discover my vocation and purpose,” Tayebwa said in a statement.
Some Christians also mentioned that the late Archbishop Bakyenga will be remembered for his great desire and excellence in leadership mainly on good governance and peace mediation in the community.
They say that his leadership was particularly resilient and focused on education, social services especially on health giving example that it’s the reason why he founded Holy Innocents Children Hospital, a specialized health facility that treats children with various illnesses.
Throughout his tenure, Archbishop Bakyenga provided spiritual guidance and pastoral care to the faithful in the region before his retirement in 2020 after serving the church and the people with unwavering devotion for several decades.
Born on 30th June 1944 at Bumbaire, Igara, Kitabi Parish, the late Archbishop Bakyenga was ordained priest on July 11 1971 at Mushanga parish. Among various positions, he served as Rector St Mary’s National Major Seminary Ggaba Kampala, from 1985 to 1989, a year he was appointed a bishop.
According to information on the website of the Archdiocese, he was appointed Bishop Co-adjutor of Mbarara on 6th March 1989 and was ordained Bishop on 24th June 1989 at Mbarara.
On 23rd November 1991, he succeeded the Bishop of Mbarara Diocese. Subsequently, on 2nd January 1999, he was appointed Arch bishop by now St John Paul II during his visit to Uganda and he served in that position up to 25th April 2020 when he resigned.
According to the program drawn, the late Archbishop Bakyenga will be laid to rest on Sunday 23rd July 2023 at Nyamitanga Cathedral in Mbarara city. He will be the third prelate to be buries at the Cathedral.
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