Archbishop Nkoyoyo remembered, Ugandans urged to emulate his ideals

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Well-wishers and Christians gathered at the Uganda Martyrs Anglican Site in Namugongo, Wakiso district, to commemorate the 8th anniversary of the death of the sixth Church of Uganda Archbishop, Dr Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo, who passed on January 5, 2018.

Activities on January 5, 2026, started with a solemn Eucharistic service presided over by reigning Archbishop Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu. A good number of other Anglican prelates, including Central Buganda Bishop Emeritus Jackson Matovu, West Buganda Bishop Emeritus Henry Katumba Tamale and assistant Kampala Bishop Emeritus Dr Hannington Mutebi, also graced the memorial prayers.

The Most Rev. Archbishop Dr. Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo

Delivering his homily during the service, Mutebi spoke highly of Nkoyoyo, describing him as a faithful and committed prelate, who served the Church and humanity with love, zeal and heart-rooted humility.

He praised him for his unconditional love, pastoral zeal and commitment to vulnerable people, particularly the poor, widows, and orphans. He paid further tribute to Nkoyoyo for his visionary leadership and passion for development and evangelism.

Retired Justice Canon James Ogoola (the key-note Speaker) praised Archbishop Nkoyoyo for perceiving big visions and putting them into action. He commended the deceased prelate for championing the construction of the new All Saints Cathedral, Church House and Uganda Christian University, among other big ecclesial projects.

Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi (left), Rtd. Justce James Ogoola (second-left) and other Crhristians during the memorial prayers. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

“Let us follow in his footsteps. Let us put his vision into action. Let us do projects for the youth, widows, elderly, and the Church; projects that will emulate, edify and elevate his walk and talk,” Justice Ogoola told the congregants.

Selfless leadership

Former Uganda premier John Patrick Amama Mbabazi (the Chief Guest) hailed Archbishop Nkoyoyo for his selfless leadership and contribution to faith tourism.

Mbabazi later lauded Nkoyoyo for his vision of developing Uganda Martyrs Anglican Site, Namugongo, before urging Christians and all Ugandans to guard it and participate in its development.

“The Uganda Martyrs occupy a central place. All over the world, faith-based tourism has demonstrated how securing heritage can enhance spiritual life and national development. Uganda Martyrs Anglican Site, Namugongo, is an important place. Every year, pilgrims from all over the world come here for a story that continues to instruct and inspire us.”

Prince Dr. Kassim Nakibinge (second-right) with other congregants during the memorial prayers. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

“This place preserves history, interprets faith and national identity. What we have inherited must be guarded and handled with great care. This though requires planning, sound infrastructure and cooperation of everybody; the Church, government, and the public sector, each respecting the role of the other. Namugongo is a place of faith, heritage and national development. Therefore, strengthen its role as a place of transformation.”

“The best tribute to Archbishop Nkoyoyo is faithful stewardship of the Church he served, the heritage he cherished and the values he embodied. Live with integrity. Serve with humility and concern.  Guard the sacred trust with care,” Mbabazi said before declaring his readiness to work with the Church to fully realise Nkoyoyo’s vision.

Isaac Nkoyoyo, a son, thanked the Church, the Government and the Christians for continuing to stand with the family even after 8 years of his father’s demise. He particularly thanked the government for giving exceptional treatment to Chain Foundation, a charity for blind children that his dad started.

Widow Ruth Nkoyoyo also gave a message of gratitude to all those who have been supportive of the family in various ways.

Maama Ruth Nkoyoyo (wife of the late Archbishop Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo) delivers her thanksgiving remarks. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Earlier, chairperson of the Uganda Martyrs Museum, Bishop Jackson Matovu, thanked the Government for funding the redevelopment of the Uganda Martyrs Anglican Site.

He said the Government had so far donated shillings 21 billion, which had been used to construct the amphitheatre.

He nonetheless requested the authorities to pay the balance of shillings 14.47 billion, to enable the committee to pay the contractors and also build a new community church that will replace the old one that was demolished. He said the Christians were now congregating in a temporary shed at the seminary.

Kaziimba also reminded the Government about its promise, made four years ago, of buying a car for the late archbishop's widow and another car for the prelate’s charity. He also called for the fixing of the road to Rest Gardens, Bweyogerere, to boost the late prelate’s family business.

The Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Uganda, Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu (holding a pastoral staff shares a photo-moment with the Rt. Hon. Patrick Amama Mbabazi (on the archbishop's immediate left), Justice Canon James Ogoola (on the archbishop's immediate right) and other Christians that included members of the family of the late Archbishop Dr. Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo. (Photo by Mahias Mazinga)

The function was also attended by other Anglican prelates including Mukono Bishop Emeritus James William Ssebaggala, Mityana Bishop Emeritus Dunstan Kopliano Bukenya, Mukono Bishop Enos Kagodo and Bishop Michael Lubowa of Mityana.

The function was also graced by the Titular Head of the Muslim Community, Prince Kassim Nakibinge.