By Joyce Namugambe/ Kiyingi Godfrey.
Following the sad news of the passing of the retired Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, the late Rt. Rev. Samuel Balagadde Ssekadde, the 6th Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Rt. Rev. Moses Banja, has officially announced the send-off arrangements for the Bishop.
The late Bishop Ssekadde passed away on Monday, October 14, 2024, in the evening at Kisubi Hospital.
During a press conference at Namirembe Cathedral, Bishop Moses Banja announced the official program for the late Bishop’s send-off and dismissed all other programs circulating on various social media platforms.
He noted that today, Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the body has arrived at his home in Bugonga at 6 Pm and a service and vigil have been held.
On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, the body will be taken from his home to St. Mark Namate Church of Uganda at the Entebbe Archdeaconry headquarters at 11 Am.
On the same day, the body will arrive at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe, to be received by the Dean, the Very Rev. Canon Jonathan Kisawuzi Ssalongo, and the cathedral staff. It will then be taken to Hannington Chapel. Later, at 7 Pm, a service with Holy Communion will be held in the main sanctuary.
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, the main funeral service will begin at 10 AM and will be followed by the burial at 2 Pm in the cathedral cemetery, where all Namirembe Diocese Bishops are to be buried.
Rt. Rev. Moses Banja commended the late Bishop for preaching the gospel, transforming lives, and leading the construction of numerous churches in Namirembe Diocese during his tenure. He added that Bishop Ssekadde spearheaded many projects that significantly advanced church development, and his efforts bore fruit.
Meanwhile, Parliament has observed a moment of silence to mourn the passing of retired Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Balagadde Ssekadde, who died yesterday evening.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among led the tribute, acknowledging Bishop Ssekadde’s remarkable 50-year service as a devoted shepherd of God’s flock.
Speaker Among praised Bishop Ssekadde’s dedication and contributions, noting that he will be deeply missed by Uganda, his family, and the Christian community.
She honored his legacy by requesting a moment of silence from the House, recognizing the immense impact of his work on the country.
