“He wanted all people to be happy. He never wanted to see anybody in misery”.
Kyabakadde Catholic Parish, Kyampisi Sub-County, Mukono District | Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Hundreds of faithful gathered at Kyabakadde Catholic Parish Church on Wednesday, April 15, to mark the 2nd memorial Day of the late Archbishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, former Archbishop of Kampala. The solemn Mass was led by Archbishop Emeritus Dr. Augustine Kasujja, retired former Apostolic Nuncio to Belgium and Luxembourg, who delivered a moving homily celebrating Archbishop Lwanga’s life of zeal, service, and compassion.
A Priest of Utmost Zeal and Dedication
Archbishop Kasujja described the late Archbishop Lwanga as a highly committed priest who served the Catholic Church and the country with utmost zeal and dedication. He praised him with even greater admiration for his work in ecumenism – fostering mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation among Christians in their diversity.
He further lauded Archbishop Lwanga’s dynamic involvement in education, healthcare, and social development and his spirited advocacy for social justice, human rights, and good leadership.
“Dr. Lwanga worked for the unity of Christians. Even on Good Friday that preceded his death, he participated in the Ecumenical Public Way of the Cross. As the pioneer Bishop of Kasana-Luweero Diocese and later Archbishop of Kampala, he implemented several holistic development programs that greatly improved lives,” Archbishop Kasujja said.
A Heart for Children and the Young
Archbishop Lwanga’s deep commitment to children and young people was remembered through the associations he founded. BannaKizito and the Karolines. Archbishop Kasujja noted that the choice to hold the memorial at Kyabakadde, home to St. Cyprian School, was fitting. “He loved that children involve themselves in the movement of BannaKizito to follow the example of the youngest martyr, Kizito Omuto who was strong in faith and courageous in opposing wrong, portraying the image of a young leader.”
“He wanted all people to be happy. He never wanted to see anybody in misery. Let us pray for him as we also try to follow his good examples,” Kasujja urged.
Defending a Misunderstood Servant
Addressing critics who faulted Archbishop Lwanga for late arrivals, Archbishop Kasujja clarified: “He would often arrive late because of his ill health, one time, His Excellency the President called him to State House. He was late by one hour because, as he travelled, his blood pressure rose. He told his driver to park so his condition could stabilize. Many times he arrived late, not because he disrespected people, but because of his health challenges and his commitment to duty. “Despite battling diabetes and high blood pressure, Archbishop Lwanga never missed the ecumenical Way of the Cross, which brings together all Christians in Uganda.”
A Legacy of Unity and Development
Archbishop Kasujja commended Lwanga’s support for the Bible Society of Uganda, an ecumenical ministry for printing and distributing Bibles. He noted it was because of the support and goodwill of people like Archbishop Lwanga that the organization got a dignified headquarters, the now new Bible House in Kampala.
He also highlighted Lwanga’s love for the Uganda Martyrs and his efforts in revamping and renovating the Namugongo and Munyonyo Shrines, which now attract many pilgrims from Uganda and beyond.
A Call to Emulate His Example
Reflecting on Archbishop Lwanga’s death immediately after the public Way of the Cross, Archbishop Kasujja reminded the congregation of Luke 9:23: “If anyone wants to follow me, they should carry their cross daily and follow me. He added, “For what will it benefit one to enjoy life and die eternally?” Matthew 16:26.
He challenged Christians to unity in the face of national challenges such as poverty, corruption, tribalism, unemployment, and the suffering of refugees. “We can emulate the Acts of the Apostles, who made the Church flourish with strong followers, all that believed had one heart and soul. Even though we have different dioceses, we are all one. Let us be one heart, one soul, and one body, so all may witness the Christ we proclaim.”
Co-Celebrants and Dignitaries Present
The Mass was co-celebrated by the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Lawrence Mukasa, Bishop of Kasana-Luweero Diocese, Msgr. Richard Kayondo-Vicar General of Lugazi Diocese, and over 100 priests from the Kampala Ecclesiastical Province.
Foundation Executive Director’s Remarks
Mrs. Rose Namutebi Lukwago, Executive Director of the Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga Foundation (ACKLAF), welcomed all and thanked Archbishop Kasujja for the great homily reminding us of the life and works of the late Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.
She expressed gratitude to the Bishop of Kasana-Luweero a special diocese where Bishop Lwanga was the first Bishop, a great challenge he carried with God’s grace, and to the Vicar General and Bishop Kakooza of Lugazi Diocese for guiding preparations for this year’s Memorial Day.
Mrs. Lukwago noted that it is now five years since Archbishop Lwanga’s passing. She thanked Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere for continuing the tradition of annual memorial Masses at Lubaga Cathedral.
“After his passing, friends wanted to preserve and continue his legacy, hence forming the Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga Foundation. Since last year, we have prepared this memorial in conjunction with Kampala Archdiocese and Lugazi Diocese. Archbishop Ssemogerere suggested the memorial events be rotational,” she said.
She highlighted this year’s activities: a medical camp led by Naggalama Hospital and Lubaga Hospital reaching out and touching lives of many, the memorial Mass, and a memorial lecture.
“This event was intended for remembering the works and life of the late Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, a man who loved work that helps people, a man of love, forgiveness, courage, faith, and hope in the Christ he believed, which made him victorious in all he did.” Mrs. Lukwago said.
She thanked God for all the gifts and life He blessed Archbishop Lwanga with, praying that He rests his soul in His Kingdom. She concluded by thanking all partners and supporters of the event.
Family Pays Tribute to Archbishop Lwanga’s Vision for Home and Development
Speaking on behalf of the Kizito Lwanga family, Mr. Mayanja Justin thanked all who were present for honoring the late Archbishop’s memory.
He fondly recalled Archbishop Lwanga’s early life and his enduring love for great, beautiful things, a passion that inspired him to initiate transformative development projects in his home area of Kyabakadde, he revealed that the late Archbishop believed that faith must bear fruit in tangible improvements to people’s lives.
“He never forgot where he came from, and he wanted the best for his people,” Mr. Mayanja added.
Memorial Lecture: Transforming Communities through Education and Health
Scholars reflect on Archbishop Lwanga’s holistic legacy at Cyprian High School, Kyabakadde
Following the memorial Mass, attendees gathered at Cyprian High School Kyabakadde for a memorial lecture held under the theme: “Transforming Communities through Education and Health — The Contributions and Works of the Late Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.”
His Legacy Was Transformative and People-Centered
The memorial lecture was delivered by Mr. Paul Mwanje Kavuma, who highlighted the lasting impact of Archbishop Lwanga’s holistic ministry in education, healthcare, and social development.
“His legacy was transformative and health-based, the many schools, churches, and health facilities he built and rehabilitated, and the numerous social development programs he birthed and implemented, all left a lasting positive impact on the respective beneficiaries.” Mwanje said.
He noted that Archbishop Lwanga understood development as integral, touching mind, body, and spirit, and invested in institutions that uplifted communities.
A Ministry in the Image of Christ
The discussant, Rev. Fr. Dr. Lazarus Luyinda, Rector of St. Mary’s National Seminary Ggaba, placed Archbishop Lwanga’s episcopate in context with the ministry of Jesus Christ.
“Just as Jesus was never understood by many people of His time, many people never understood the ideas, ways, and actions of Bishop Lwanga,” Fr. Luyinda observed.
“He was not a social worker. He was also not a politician. He was a people-centered person who carried out a people-centered ministry, a pastor guided by a clear pastoral vision, he promoted integral development and the well-being of people.”
Fr. Luyinda explained that Archbishop Lwanga sent priests and seminarians abroad for studies not because there were no educational institutions in Uganda, but because he wanted to prepare them for better leadership and service thus his ministry was planned and organized.
An Unfinished Dream: Ggaba University of Theology and Technological Science
In a moving revelation, Fr. Luyinda disclosed that prior to his death, Archbishop Lwanga had finalized plans to establish a new university, the proposed Pope Francis Memorial Catholic University Ggaba- University of Theology and Technological Science. The university’s main objective he said, was to produce teachers who would be well grounded in Catholic ethical values and principles, ensuring that education in Uganda would form not only the intellect, but also the conscience.
Medical Camp
The memorial events, organized by the Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga Foundation, began with a two‑day medical camp at Kyabakadde Catholic parish, carried out by Lubaga and Naggalama Hospitals, underscoring the Church’s focus on health‑centered outreach in his memory. Through the homily and memorial lecture, speakers consistently called on the faithful to draw inspiration from Lwanga’s life to deepen Christian unity, to care for the poor and suffering, and to remain faithful in carrying their own crosses, following the example he set in service and in prayer.
