Archbishop Jonah Lwanga dies at 76

The war that brought Museveni into power was fought in Lwanga’s backyard of the so-called Luweero Triangle. Lwanga even noted that he contributed to the liberation struggle.

“But, I don’t consider that as something which should give me wonderful privilege.”

Lwanga has on several occasions accused the NRM bush war heroes of arrogance and advised them “to become humble again” or else the NRM would disintegrate.

Fed up with the country’s human rights abuses; including arbitrary arrests and killings of civilians by the state’s security agencies, Lwanga said in 2019 that the NRM would collapse for disturbing peace, progress and prosperity of Uganda. He said Ugandans would continue to suffer human rights abuse until the ruling party dissolved and dissipated.

Ten years earlier, in 2008, Lwanga told The Observer newspaper how Uganda’s politics was nothing but just a “game.” “There is nothing essential that is going on in the country. There is no strategic plan to improve the welfare or development of our people,” he said.

“I have served as a bishop in Kenya for 10 years, in Tanzania for five years and now in Uganda for 11 years. But the situation in Uganda is worse than in the other two countries.”

“Look at our education, it is failing. I hear we have nearly 50 universities. I usually invite the recent graduates here and they fail miserably. I think our schools and universities are just making money. They are not adding any value to the young people.”

“Look at our health sector, it is in a mess, medical personnel cannot even afford gloves. Even if you fall sick and go to hospital, you might die from there.”

“Look at the economy. We are lucky foreigners have come into our economy; otherwise, we would be finished. Corruption has become worse. This is because our people have lost faith in the leadership. Our leadership is upside down in its thinking with a devilish approach to issues.”

Elias Nsubuga, the head of laity at Namungoona Orthodox Church who has worked with Jonah Lwanga since 1997 told The Independent that “Lwanga did not mince his words.” “He is a person who has been speaking his mind; be it in church or outside it.”

“He did not entertain intrigue. If someone, for instance, brought him a rumour, he would wait for the best opportune moment when both the rumour monger and the accused are together and bring forth the issue. He would say this person here told me you did this but if it is true, stop it.”

“He has done a lot to grow Orthodox Christianity in Uganda. He has spread the gospel and he has built several churches. The church is now spread nationwide.”

But Nsubuga quickly adds that Lwanga has also been very patient considering the challenges in church and the country.

“Land grabbing is a big issue in the Orthodox Church and the country. On many occasions, he would tell us to tread carefully on the issue of land wrangles. He always told us to act with restraint even amidst a lot of provocation. The people behind land are powerful people with guns who could do anything to take land.”

Nsubuga told The Independent that Lwanga’s regret is dying before building a Cathedral on the nearby Lubya Hill where the Church land is still encumbered with wrangles.

Theodore Ssekikubo, the Lwemiyaga County MP particularly remembers this one time when he accompanied the religious leaders to meet President Museveni.

The president was meeting with the religious leaders with a view of partnering and seeing how they can foster and work for development. “In spite of all that, that did not stop Lwanga from pointing out the inequities of the government, the human rights abuses and corruption amongst others,” said Ssekikubo.

Joshua Kitakule, the executive secretary of the Inter-religious Council of Uganda says Lwanga believed in reconciliation and national dialogue. He believed Ugandans could come and discuss issues that had held back the country. “He has been a voice of reason; among the Council of presidents and our vision bearer,” he said.

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