The nation’s strong pillar, Most Reverend Paul Bakyenga, the Archbishop Emeritus of Mbarara Archdiocese has breathed his last on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at Nsambya Hospital.
The current Archbishop of Mbarara, Bishop Lambert Bainomugisha through Fr. Mukasa Balikudembe, the Diocesan Chancellor announced the death of his colleague.
The Archbishop was first feared dead in December 9, 2022, when he got a stroke that did not leave him the same till date. However his death comes as a big shock to very many people, since he was recovering steadily.
The MP for Rwampara East, Julius Tusiime Karuhanga expressed his grief upon hearing this news.
“I am saddened by the abrupt death of the Archbishop. The entire Mbarara Archdiocese community has lost a great pillar.
His dedicated service to the church and his contributions to the spiritual well-being of the people will be remembered,” Karuhanga said.
A one Prince Phillip took to his Twitter handle and said, “Today I woke up on sad news for the death of my role model Archbishop Paul K Bakyenga of Mbarara Arch Diocese. He has done more than enough to make us love the Catholic Church.”
The Life of Archbishop Paul Bakyenga
The Archbishop Emeritus Paul Bakyenga was born on June 30, 1944 and has left us at the age of 79.
He joined Kitabi Seminary in 1961 (K61) i.e 0660/61 and was ordained as a priest on July 11, 1971.
Most Reverend Bakyenga was appointed the coadjutor Bishop of Mbarara Diocese on March 6, 1989 and consecrated on June 24, 1989.
He later became the Bishop of Mbarara Diocese on November 11, 1991.
The Most Reverend Emeritus Archbishop of Arch Mbarara Diocese was appointed and elevated to Archbishop by Pope John Paul II on January 2, 1999.
He is well known for his advocacy for honesty, his Golden lips, that when he spoke, the congregation was always filled with wisdom. In one of his sermons, he encouraged Ugandans to be honest business men.
“If you trade cement be honest and sell authentic cement other than mixing sand so you can make profits,” he said.
He had a big heart that he helped those in need, supported seminarians and non-seminarians who lacked school fees, and supported anyone that asked for career guidance.
During his sermon on the Holy Thursday this year, the former Archbishop thanked Bishop Bainomugisha, the Diocese, the Superior General of the Good Counsel of Sisters, and everyone who prayed for him.
“I will never know what happened to me but I thank God for his divine healing, and you all for extending prayers that have done wonders. May the Almighty God bless you,” he added.
The Catholic Community and Ugandans at large have lost a great pillar to the nation.
