The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Luwero, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Glowing tributes to Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga the now fallen Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese dominated the Easter sermons in Luwero Anglican and Kasana-Luwero Catholic Dioceses.
Christians who flocked churches in Kasana-Luwero and Luwero diocese to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ were grief stricken over the sudden death of the founding Bishop of the Kasana-Luwero diocese.
While leading the Easter Mass at Our Lady Queen Of Peace Cathedral in Luwero town, the Kasana –Luwero Diocesan Bishop Paul Ssemogerere said the late Archbishop Dr Lwanga dedicated himself to ensure the diocese which he founded grows.
Ssemogerere said that the Kasana -Luwero diocese is what it is today over the strong foundation laid by the late Archbishop and asked the Christians to always pray for his soul.
Ssemogerere also praised Dr. Lwanga for his continued support to Kasana-Luwero diocese after his appointment and transfer to serve as Archbishop of Kampala. The diocesan bishop reminded the Catholics to always be prepared to die in faith and emulate the life of Jesus Christ who defeated death.
Ssemogerere is expected to lead the requiem mass for the late Archbishop at Lubaga cathedral on Monday and Queen of Peace cathedral in Luwero on Tuesday.
Dr Lwanga was the pioneer Bishop of Kasana-Luweero Diocese that was established on November 30, 1996. He was elevated to Archbishop in 2006. As a result, Msgr. Matthias Kanyerezi was appointed Diocesan Administrator for two years until, Rt. Rev. Paul Ssemogerere was consecrated second Bishop of the diocese in 2008.
Christians at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral in Luwero town described Dr Lwanga as humble, non-discriminating and pro-development leader who laid a strong foundation to their diocese.
Charles Ssebyala the head of Laity at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral parish said Archbishop will be remembered for development projects he initiated while he was still Bishop of Kasana Luwero Diocese.
Ssebyala listed some of the development projects as Kaludo multipurpose commercial complex, , Bishop Ceaser Asili hospital, several schools and health centers among others spread in the diocese.
Florence Nassanga Musoke the Chairperson of Women league in Inter Religious Council said Dr Lwanga promoted women’s welfare through opening up Wekembe SACCO in Luwero town where they could access loans at low interests and boost their business.
Nassanga said by the time Dr Lwanga died, she was scheduled to meet him on Tuesday 6th April next week to discuss further on programmes that can help women.
John Baptist Mpiima a catholic at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral parish said when Dr Lwanga was posted in Luwero, he found the area not only ravaged by the war of 1981-1986 but even HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Mpiima explains that Bishop Lwanga by then mobilized resources from USA and started HIV/AIDS programme to carry out free testing services, fight stigma and create awareness about the virus.
Mpiima said the programme is still ongoing and is himself a volunteer alonside others.
Mpiima adds that in all these projects, Dr Lwanga led by example and humbled himself before the Catholics.
At Luwero Anglican Diocese, Bishop Eridard Nsubuga also conveyed his condolence message to Catholics over what he called the trying and tragic loss of Archbishop Lwanga.
He asked Anglicans to pray to Roman Catholics in this trying moment.
Denes Sekabira the Member of Parliament for Katikamu North County asked Bishops to emulate the Archbishop Lwanga to always speak truth to power.
The late Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga is expected to be buried on Thursday this week according to tentative programme.
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