Archbishop Bakyenga was a beacon of humility and inspiration

In heaven, His Grace Archbishop Paul Bakyenga stands proudly among a distinguished line of church leaders, tracing his apostolic succession through generations.

Archbishop Bakyenga’s influence began to touch lives on April 2, 1989, when news of his remarkable appointment reached me. As a young 11-year-old student in P7 at Nyakaguruka primary school in Rwampara district, I had the honour of participating in the sacrament installation ceremony at Nyakaguruka church in Rushanje parish. I had been asked to recite a poem titled “Lapobo.”

It was during this event that Fr Aloysius Kashamba made an unexpected announcement – Pope John Paul II had appointed Fr Paul Bakyenga as the bishop coadjutor of Mbarara, and Fr Egidio Nkaijanabo as the first bishop of the newly-created Kasese diocese. Overwhelmed with joy, we celebrated this extraordinary news.

A few months later, on January 19, 1990, as I embarked on my journey to Kitabi seminary in Bushenyi to join senior one, my late mother and I encountered then Bishop Bakyenga at St Kagwa high school bus stage, just opposite the parish church. We approached him after being dropped there by a Good Samaritan who had picked us up from Mbarara.

Bakyenga stopped and we informed him of our destination – Kitabi seminary – and about the special dispensation we had received from the St Francis family helper project in Nyamitanga. This project granted me a full bursary due to being a vulnerable orphan.

Responding to our needs, Archbishop Bakyenga requested Fr Kyarutaaba (RIP), the parish priest of St Kaggwa, to accompany us to Kitabi. That was how I made it to the seminary.

During my time there, I learned valuable life skills and explored the spiritual life and its connectedness to our country’s social structure. It was at Kitabi that I learned how to play the guitar, piano, and flute. It was also at Kitabi that I forged deep bonds with two of his nephews, John Bwebare and Vincent Babigumira, who became not just close friends, but brothers to me.

Archbishop Bakyenga’s impact on my life extended beyond those treasured memories. Through the St Francis family helper project, I was granted a special exception to receive school fees assistance from senior one to senior six. His unwavering support ensured that I never lacked the necessary financial resources during my time at Kitabi.

Whenever he visited the seminarians, I eagerly participated as a server, guitarist, or pianist. His generosity even extended to leaving me an old note of Shs 2,000 for pocket money. Today, as I strive to visit my children at their schools every week, I reflect upon the simplicity and focus on education that characterized those earlier days. Archbishop Bakyenga’s profound teachings continue to inspire me.

In 2013, when it was the turn of Mbarara archdiocese to animate the Uganda Martyrs day celebrations, during its preparations, he specifically pointed at me to take on the commemorative magazine, which we did dutifully. We transformed it from a ragtag, illegible magazine, as it had been over the years, into today’s glossy, Economist-like magazine that is the pride of everyone.

In 2006, Archbishop Bakyenga officiated my wedding with Maureen Karamagi at Our Lady of Africa Mbuya Catholic church. In 2017, during my unjust detainment at Nalufenya on wrongful accusations of treason by some clueless state actors, he tirelessly called state authorities from his sickbed in Germany, requesting for my release.

The pressure from the bishops, clergy, and international support he garnered ultimately led to my freedom. Archbishop Bakyenga’s legacy transcends personal experiences. He established the Holy Innocents Children’s hospital, and his contributions to education include numerous private schools that stand as beacons of excellence in western Uganda. Above all, he leaves us with profound teachings of humility, contentment, and commitment to doing good.

As we remember him, let us reflect on the importance of working for the betterment of society and leading purposeful and modest lives.

Even in his passing, Archbishop Bakyenga’s influence remains steadfast. May his humility and dedication continue to inspire us to build a just and compassionate world.