Ugandans remember Archbishop Lwanga

Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda 

“With profound grief, I have learnt of the death of Kampala Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga. I join the Catholic Church, all religious faithful, and the country in mourning Archbishop Lwanga. He has died in faith. May God grant his soul eternal repose.”

Kizza Besigye, four-time presidential candidate

“Most shocking announcement! After leading the Uganda Joint Christian Council on the Way of the Cross and celebrating mass yesterday, he retired to join the Lord. Great loss for the country at a very difficult time. My thoughts are with the Catholic Church and all people of faith.”

Robert Kyagulanyi, Opposition leader

 “It’s such a tragedy.. There is a very disturbing pattern in which outspoken eminent religious leaders have died in the recent past. We saw the sudden unexplained death of Sheikh Muzata, we saw the death of Bishop Kagwa in Masaka and now yesterday the death of Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, the archbishop of Kampala. It is a disturbing pattern and it raises more questions than answers....”

William Gabula Nadiope IV, Kyabazinga of Busoga,

 “I have learnt with profound sadness of the passing on of the Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga. The world has lost a church leader and a statesman who throughout his life, worked for the needy. We offer our deepest prayers for peace of the departed soul.” 

Ayishar Nagudi, banker  

“He was a voice of advocacy for the poor and oppressed. On different occasions, he was vocal on human rights, a sign that showed his love for humanity. Not forgetting, he was committed to the Christian faith. Dr Lwanga will be dearly missed.” 

Peter Mayiga, Buganda Kingdom premier

 “He was one of the few who would speak their minds openly. He wouldn’t leave someone guessing what his view on issues are. He would come out openly and render counsel when he was called upon to do so.  So it is a great loss to the church,  the kingdom of Buganda and the country. He made numerous contributions which will stand as witnesses to his legacy in a very long time to come.”.

Jimmy Odoki Acellam, mental health advocate 

“I will always remember him as an all-around person, in a sense that, he was preaching the message but also frequently spoke out on the crucial issues that were raising in the country. For example, he would boldly speak out on the current political situation in the country, something many leaders cannot easily do. But also, I love that he was always urged Ugandans to be developmental in their respective lives.”

Vivian Brenda Namirimu, businesswoman

“I loved how he would relate the message in the bible to the current times. For example, he would relate the current political situation to some of the events in the bible. But also, I liked how he gave people hope during his preaching. We shall miss him.” 

Justine Kasule Lumumba, Secretary General, NRM party

 “We are deeply saddened by the loss of a gracious faith leader. This is both a shocking and unimaginable loss. We celebrate the life of Dr Lwanga and we are hopeful that like Jesus Christ conquered death, he will also emerge triumphant with the Risen Christ. His contributions to the church and humanity cannot be overemphasised..”

Tom Ojambo, chief usher at Rubaga Cathedral  

“This Easter has been bitter-sweet for me. Here we are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and at the same time mourning the passing of Dr Lwanga. It is not a good feeling at all. The last time I saw him was last Thursday and he seemed to be in sound health. Dr Lwanga did not look sick and that’s why his death shocked me. He was a loving and caring man, I will miss him.”.

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