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CELEBRATING LIFE 

Hundreds were engulfed by waves of sorrow as they bid farewell to Eng. Peter Lukwago Balimwezo recently. 

The funeral procession included people from all walks of life that Lukwago had touched. Several residents described him as instrumental both in the church and society at large in promoting peace and reconciliation in communities. 

“It is a great loss to all of us because he has been instrumental not only in the community but also the Church. He did good for many; both the young and old,” mourners said. Lukwago was also described as a pillar for the community as well as a noble and courageous leader. 

He worked with all groups while engaging and unifying people from different communities. In office, he was fair and served to their expectations, the residents said. 

He was also on different church councils, on sub-parish and parishes.

He helped many to get quality education, and safe drinking water and encouraged many to participate in community work. 

Eng. Peter Lukwago Balimwezo was born on June 29, 1937, and died on January 24, 2024.

In his retirement, Lukwago used to organise free private pilgrimages for people to Namugongo, Kigungu and other martyrs’ holy places.

Career Lukwago’s first job was at the works ministry in Entebbe in the engineering department, where he worked for seven years. 

He then proceeded to the coffee market, also in the engineering department, where he served for 15 years and retired. 

During his retirement, he was hired by Kampala City Council to work on a new project; the Uganda Programme for Alleviation of Poverty and Social Cost of Adjustment, where he worked for five years.

Memorable projects 

In 1969, as a fresh graduate engineer, Lukwago was one of the people who participated in the construction of the Namugongo Uganda Martyrs Shrine and the open-air shade as the country prepared for the first visit of a pope in Uganda, Pope Paul VI.

And recently, before demolishing the open-air shade, Lukwago hired people who would cut the thatching grass and transport it to Namugongo for the open-air altar. 

He was also one of the engineers contracted in the construction of Kololo airstrip in Kampala. 

Background  

He was born to Brenda Nakityo Nakiganda and Joseph Mukasa Balimwezo. 

He was the 12th of 14 children. Lukwago attended Villa-Maria Primary School in Masaka and Bbira Primary School in Bulenga, where he met John Baptist Kaggwa, who later became Bishop of Masaka Diocese. Lukwago also attended Katale-Sseguku and Lubaga Junior School.

He went to Kisubi Technical School, Uganda Polytechnic Kyambogo and School of Engineering, Nairobi for three years. What others say Charles Kyasanku, a former resident district commissioner for Ggomba, says Lukwago treated everyone with respect, regardless of their age.

He was interested in development, friendship, religious affairs and loved his faith and church, Kyasanku adds. Joseph Nsubuga, a resident of Ntinda, Kampala, says Lukwago was his long-time friend and colleague.

“I met him over 30 years ago when he was working in the Coffee Marketing Board. He was a young employee; calm, cheerful, developmental-oriented, mentor, very smart, religious and loved his work. He revered people throughout his career. He loved many, he was a co-chair of the steering committee of many of our weddings,” he says.

Emmanuel Musoke, the area LC1 chairperson, said: Mzee Lukwago was a pillar of his community, friends, family and his joy was infectious to those around him. 

He was caring, genuine, thoughtful, and understanding, as well as a mentor. He served for a long time, was an exemplary leader and was hardworking. 

He was a pillar of unity of the community and served with dedication.” He is survived by a wife, Immaculate Lukwago, children and grandchildren. 

Children share memories 

Annuciate Nattyaba Kasumba, daughter: Whatever life called dad for, that was who he became. Whatever role needed, that was who he evolved into; a man, a brother, friend, a father, teacher, partner, mentor, provider, protector, lover and leader. 

Annuciate Nattyaba Kasumba

He did what he had to do to keep on moving forward in life and he would always find a way. 

He was always the one who everyone would look up to for strength, courage and passion. Dad’s life was not painless because some of the struggles he fought were overwhelming. 

However, he was fearless, genuine and authentic. Whatever he did, it would be with all his heart. He would not do anything halfway. He always had many roles, and, therefore, had an unending list of responsibilities. 

He had a fire that kept driving him to rise and fly high like an eagle and spread his wings. 

At times, his plans did not work out, but as a great man, using all his strength, courage and wisdom, he would manoeuvre and succeed.

He would help all people, including haters. He was a man of many talents and a survivor, who had escaped many accidents like motor accidents and falling from the rooftops while constructing buildings. 

In addition, one cannot forget the values he imparted in his siblings and all those who shared his presence. Sleep well dad. It is well in our souls. Till we meet again someday, rest with the angels and virgin Mother Mary, but, always remember to be our guardian angel.

Juliet Lukwago, daughter: Taata loved people and our home always had visitors from relatives and the community. He used to say: “Ewaka tewali kubbo (there is no route in a home). So, welcome everyone.’’ 

He was an advocate of human rights, justice and peace and a great voice for the poor, the suffering and the voiceless. He loved his Nkima clan and culture. 

He was there all the time concerning issues of his clan. Daddy cared for mummy and they always did everything together. He also cared for each child and was involved in their lives. 

I am blessed and honoured to continue with the name Lukwago. Taata was someone you could always rely on. He was weak for months but stayed alert. 

Rest in peace our mentor and friend. 

Julius Balimwezo, grandchild: Jjaaja was a devoted and loving grandfather and great mentor. He loved us so much. Some of us grew up with him and he taught us many things that included faithfulness, confidence and loving people. 

Julius Balimwezo

He was always armed with his faith and loved the Virgin Mary. Jjaaja mwami leaves a legacy that will long endure the passage of time and will remain a comforting memory to all he served and befriended. 

Now, therefore, be it. Jjaaja mwami loved Jjaaja mukyala, their family, the church and community. 

He was always straight with you; whether he was happy or not. We are going to miss him so much.