Catholic church celebrates 98-year-old mother of jubilarian clerical siblings

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The late Nalugwa Veronica Nalumanya Lwanga, who breathed her last on February 2 (2026), was a lady of wonderful attributes. She was generally admired for her dignity, grace, Christian commitment and responsible parenthood.

As a wife, she was genuinely committed to her husband, Henry Lwanga (RIP), and never separated from him until the Lord called him. She loved her children, educated them and taught them moral values that helped them to become responsible/respected citizens.

Rev. Fr. John Bosco Katabaazi is one of the people who deeply admired Lady Veronica.

Lwanga Henry Ssempijja (behind microphone) eulogises his mother, Lady Nalugwa Veronica Nalumanya Lwanga, during the requiem mass at St. Peter's Proto-Cathedral Nsambya on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Standing besides him are his siblings.

“Lady Veronica Lwanga was an exemplary woman. She loved the Church and the country. Her good character is clearly reflected in the awesome disposition of her sons, Fr. Joseph Balikuddembe Ssemanda, the parish-priest of Nsambya, and Fr. Joseph Kakooza, the former Chancellor of Kampala Archdiocese,” Katabaazi said.

Fr. Joseph Balikuddembe Ssemanda could not hold back his tears as he eulogised his mother, whom she commended for her deep sense of humanity.

“When I informed her that I had been sent to Nswanjere Preparatory Seminary for my pastoral work after completing my philosophical studies, she put it to me never to beat or be cruel to the young seminarians. And when I was ordained a priest, she asked me never to be rude to the Christians. At 98, she was relatively old, but she was never comfortable if you told her she was old. She loved to read newspapers - especially Bukedde - to keep herself abreast with the current affairs,” said Fr. Ssemanda.

Lwanga Henry Ssempijja (another son) described his mother as a beautiful woman who loved all people unconditionally.

“She was a fashionable woman. She was 98 years but many people thought she was 45. She had too much love for people and God, which is the reason she looked much younger than her age. She paced with the modern trends. Even at her age, she would call me to take her to the salon to do her hair,” Ssempijja said.

The Head of the Laity of Nsambya Catholic parish, Evarist Bainomugisha, called Lady Veronica a pillar of faith in the community of St. Peter’s Proto-Cathedral parish.

“Her life was deeply rooted in faith, which she passed over to her children, particularly Fr. Joseph Kakooza and Fr. Joseph Balikuddembe Ssemanda. She loved the children and sacrificed everything for them. She has left a legacy of faith and responsible parenthood,” said Bainomugisha.

Lady Veronica's two clerical sons, Fr. Joseph Kakooza (left) and Fr. Joseph Balikuddembe Ssemanda during their joint sacerdotal anniversary celebration at St. Peter's Proto-Cathedral Nsambya on September 14, 2024.

Lady Veronica was also eulogised by Fr. Eustacius Lwemalika, who presided over her requiem mass at St. Peter’s Proto-Cathedral Nsambya (in Makindye Division) on Thursday, February 5. She was laid to rest at her marital home, at Ggoli, in Mpigi district on February 6.

She will be remembered by many people, especially those who witnessed her dynamic presence during the twin-celebration of her sons: Fr. Joseph Kakooza, who celebrated 50 years in priesthood, and Fr. Joseph Balikuddembe Ssemanda, who celebrated 25 years in priesthood at St. Peter’s Proto-Cathedral Nsambya (Makindye Division) on September 14, 2024.