UGANDA: Archbishop Bakyenga Laid to Rest Inside Nyamithanga Cathedral
Archbishop Lembart And Bishop Rubaramira During The Burial
Masereka Peter
Emeritus Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mbarara, His Grace Paul Kamuza Bakyenga who will be remembered for his generosity and big heart, helping people of all despite the religion or tribe, was laid to rest on Sunday 23rd July 2023 at Nyamitanga Cathedral in Mbarara City in a requiem Mass led by the seating archbishop of Mbarara, the Most Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha.
The late Archbishop Bakyenga was accorded a state burial announced by the Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabajja under the instruction of His Excellence the
President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
Archbishop Emeritus Bakyenga, who passed away at the age of 79 in Nsambya Hospital, was buried inside the church on the right-hand side of the Altar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Nyamitanga Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Mbarara Sunday.
His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mbarara led the funeral mass with the assistance of nine Bishops from the Archdiocese and across the border.
President Yoweri Museveni, was represented by Vice President Maj Jessica Alupo.
He described Bakyenga as a humble leader who sought God’s guidance and contributed to the nation’s development by bringing services closer to the people. The President acknowledged that Bakyenga’s wise counsel on matters of Christianity would be missed.
During his sermon, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha emphasized that the late prelate not only lived a life of humanity but also had a deep love for the country and lived by its motto. He spoke of the late Archbishop’s humility, dedication, and service to humanity.
Bishop Callist Rubaramira of Kabale Diocese, representing the chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, praised the late Archbishop as a true pastor and shepherd who cared for his flock with love. He highlighted Bakyenga’s sense of humor and his commitment to peace.
In his condolence message delivered by Vice President Retired Maj. Jessica Alupo, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni described the late Archbishop Bakyenga as a practical God’s servant who lived to serve through hard work, opened many catholic established institutions of learning and health facilities among others to reshape the living conditions of the locals.
Museveni praised the late Bakyenga for living a life of hard work and setting an example through humanitarian projects.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa asked the mourners to emulate the fallen Servant of God who he said worked for his journey to heaven while alive.Those who knew him say he was a man who believed in education and encouraged many, especially girls, to acquire skills for a better future. Throughout his life, he narrated stories from his childhood, inspiring others with his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned preacher.
Bakyenga was born on 30 June 1944 in the village of Bumbeiregara in the Bushenyi District. He dedicated his life to a distinguished career in the clergy, serving as a priest for 52 years, a bishop for 34 years, and an Archbishop for 24 years.
He was ordained to the priesthood on July 11, 1971, and later appointed as the first Archbishop of Mbarara on January 2, 1999, by His Holiness Pope John Paul II.
As archbishop help held four offices at the same time including chairperson of the Association of Members Episcopal conference of Eastern Africa {AMECEA} from 2002-2008, President of the Uganda Episcopal conference from 2002-2006, Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi and the catholic University of Eastern Africa. END
