Archbishop Paul Bakyenga dies at Nsambya Hospital!
Who is Paul Bakyenga, the Archbishop Emeritus of Mbarara Archdiocese?
Paul Kamuza Bakyenga, the Archbishop Emeritus of Mbarara Archdiocese has passed away at 79 years of age. The news of his demise was confirmed by Rev. Fr. Charles Mutabaruka, the communications director of the Mbarara Archdiocese.
Archbishop Bakyenga passed away this morning at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala, where he had gone for his regular check-ups. Fr. Mutabaruka noted that further details regarding the prelate’s passing will be shared at a later time.
Archbishop Bakyenga was born in Bumbaire, Igara, Bushenyi district in 1944. He dedicated his life to a distinguished career in the clergy, serving as a priest for 52 years and as a bishop for 34 years.
He was ordained as a priest in Mbarara in 1971 at the age of 27. Later, at the age of 44, he was appointed the Coadjutor Bishop of Mbarara, positioning him to succeed Bishop John Baptist Kakubi.
In 1991, when Bishop Kakubi resigned at the age of 61, Archbishop Bakyenga assumed the role of Bishop of Mbarara. Under his leadership, the Mbarara Diocese was elevated to an archdiocese in 1999, and he became its first Archbishop. He was responsible for overseeing the Western ecclesiastical province, which covers the dioceses of Hoima, Fort Portal, Kasese, and Kabale.
Throughout his tenure, Archbishop Bakyenga provided spiritual guidance and pastoral care to the faithful in the region. His unwavering dedication and commitment to his religious duties have left a profound impact on the community. Archbishop Bakyenga retired from his position in 2020 after serving the church and the people with steadfast devotion for several decades. He was succeeded by Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa has mourned the passing of Archbishop Bakyenga referring to him as his spiritual father, a cheer leader, and counsellor to many of them.
Taaayebwa’s message which he published on his Twitter handle goes as follows;
“Sadness has again engulfed us with the passing on of His Grace Paul Bakyenga this morning. He has been my spiritual father, a cheer leader, and counselor to many of us. His Grace has been a rare breed of a preacher whose message could deeply resonate with the congregation. He personally urged me as a leader to always find time to speak to God in a quiet place every day and embark on a journey of spiritual self-discovery. This has helped me so much to discover my vocation and purpose. My condolences to His Grace Lambert, Archbishop of Mbarara, His personal friend @KagutaMuseveni, his family, AMDA, MEPA community, and all people of God. Your Grace, I pray you intercede for us your children before the Lord in heaven.”