Bishop Kakubi mourned, to be buried at St. Joseph's chapel
Feb 12, 2016
He left a permanent mark wherever he worked and his efforts have always complimented the Church and the government
As early as 8 o'clock Friday morning, mourners from as far as Mbarara converged at Lubaga Cathedral for the requiem mass of Bishop John Baptist Kakubi, Emeritus of Mbarara Archdiocese.
Bishop Kakubi succumbed to hypertension and diabetes at Kampala Hospital on Thursday afternoon aged 86. He was ordained bishop 47 years ago.
The requiem mass was celebrated by his successor, Archbishop Paul Bakyenga, assisted by Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, chairman of the Episcopal Conference, Archbishop John Baptist Odama; bishop of Kasana-Luweero, Paul Ssemwogerere; Vicar General of Kampala Archdiocese and Msgr. Charles Kasibante who represented Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga who is out of the country.
Bishop Bakyenga praised the late as a great man who diligently served the church with passion.
"Kakubi has been a role model, an exemplary and inspiring priest in all aspects, who understood and appreciated the gift of priesthood that God gave him, which he has diligently used to serve others," he said.
He described Kakubi's death as shocking because he had not been bedridden.
"He chose to be buried at St Joseph's chapel, I have to respect his will," Bishop Bakyenga said.
The funeral was attended by hundreds of Christians, including Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi; First Deputy Prime Minister Henry Kajura, the clergy, among others.
Ssekandi delivered President Yoweri Museveni's condolence message, saying he was saddened to learn of the death of Bishop Kakubi.
"He [Museveni] joins the clergy in Uganda, Christians of Mbarara Archdiocese for the loss of their bishop and prays that he shares condolence to them," said Ssekandi.
Museveni hailed Bishop Kakubi for his hardwork and commitment towards realizing development in the community. He cited secondary schools and vocational schools in Mbarara including Maryhill High School.
"He left a permanent mark wherever he worked and his efforts have always complemented the Church and the government," the message read.
The President contributed sh10m towards funeral expenses.
Bishop Kakubi will be laid to rest on Saturday at the chapel of St Joseph's Vocational School, Nyamitanga, near Maryhill High School.
Bishop Kakubi was born on September 23, 1929, at Kyanyanda village in Rugaaga sub-county in Mbarara Archdiocese to late Rafaili Ziridamu of Bazigaaba clan (totem is a waterbuck) and Kandida Kiremire from Baitira clan of Bukanga in Mbarara District.
He was ordained a priest on June 11, 1960.
He was consecrated a bishop by Pope Paul VI at Kololo on August 1, 1969 together with retired bishop of Hoima, Edward Albert Baharagate.