First Archbishop of Uganda’s Mbarara Archdiocese Dies at 79, Mourned as Unity Advocate

The late Catholic Archbishop retired as the Local Ordinary of Mabarara on 25 April 2020; he was succeeded by Archbishop Bainomugisha. 

The Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has received “with deep pain” the news of the passing on of Archbishop Bakyenga.

“We shall hold on to his legacy as a unifying factor, dedicated to his calling and immense contribution to the development of the country,” the Ugandan Speaker says on Twitter.

The Bible Society of Uganda has also eulogized the late Catholic Archbishop, who served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Society as one whose “unwavering faith, compassion, and dedication to the Gospel has left an indelible mark on countless lives.”

“We mourn the loss of a humble servant of God and a true advocate for unity and the Scriptures,” the Society’s officials say in a Tuesday, July 18 Facebook post. 

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They say, “May we find comfort in the legacy of Archbishop Paul Bakyenga and carry forward his mission of spreading love and truth.”

A Facebook user, Ruganzu Ndori Rauben, has eulogized Archbishop Bakyenga as a man of wisdom. 

“In the heart of Mbarara Archdiocese, there once stood a towering figure, both revered and beloved – The Late Emeritus Archbishop Paul K Bakyenga. His presence was a beacon of wisdom and inspiration, and his oratory skills were unparalleled,” Rauben says.

He continues, “During mass, the beauty of Archbishop Bakyenga's hymns resonated deeply with all who attended. His melodious voice uplifted the spirits of the congregation, creating an atmosphere of reverence and tranquility.”

Rauben says the late Catholic Archbishop “was not just a leader but also a true worshipper, and his devotion to God was evident in every note he sang.”

Archbishop Bakyenga is to be laid to rest at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Nyamitanga Cathedral of Mbarara Archdiocese on Sunday, July 23.

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.