Late Ugandan Bishop Eulogized as Zealous, Humble, Empowering Beyond Tribe, Religion

Fr. Mayanja went on to describe the late Ugandan Bishop as one who empowered members of the community in the Diocese of Masaka without segregation.  

“Whenever he travelled to Europe and America, he would get some funds. He then put the money into the Diocesan Development Organization,” the Ugandan Cleric told ACI Africa January 21 and added, “The Bishop would also give out cows to different people without segregation of tribe or religion.”

Born in 1943, the late Prelate was ordained a Priest in 1971. He succeeded Bishop Adrian Kivumbi Ddungu.

In his 21-year tenure as Local Ordinary of Masaka Diocese, the late Bishop facilitated the construction of Our Lady of Sorrows Kitovu Cathedral, “put up a Bursary scheme called Bishop Kaggwa Bursary Scheme so he would support less privileged students,” Fr. Mayanja said, adding that Bishop Kaggwa wanted “ensure children within Masaka Diocese receive education.”

For Seminarian Lawrence Ssebanakitta who was installed as a Lector and Acolyte by the Prelate, Bishop Kaggwa was a prayerful person. 

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“He would visit us at the Seminary and upon arriving, he would immediately head to the Chapel and pray. He also encouraged us to be prayerful,” the Seminarian at St. Mary’s National Major Seminary Ggaba told ACI Africa.

He added, “The Bishop was a Priest committed to his service through the Sacraments he administers. He was also a humble and soft-spoken person.”

Ugandans from all walks of life are mourning the Bishop on social media. 

According to Ugandan politician, Dr. Kifefe Kizza Besigye, Bishop Kaggwa’s demise is “a great loss to the country.”

In his tweet, the politician described the late Bishop as “a great Prelate, an all-round strong leader and truly, a man of God.”

“You have been part of us in time of need. You have raised your voice whenever your sheep are attacked, denied pasture and or shelter. You have fought your wars and have won the battle; with pain I celebrate your life. May you find favour in God's face,” Khan Henry posted on Facebook. 

For Bakuseera Aloysius, Bishop Kaggwa “stays to be remembered for his unreserved help to all people.” 

Multiple Eucharistic celebrations in memory of the late Bishop have been scheduled to take place Friday, January 22 at St Mary's Cathedral Rubaga of Kampala Archdiocese and Our Lady of Sorrows Cathedral of Masaka Diocese and on Saturday, January 23 at the Bukalasa Minor Seminary of Masaka Diocese where he will be laid to rest.

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.