Dad promoted agape love and reconciliation — Bishop Ssenyonjo’s children

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The children of the late Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo have commended the Church of Uganda for supporting their father and remaining with him until his death last Sunday (July 19) at the age of 95.

The children, while eulogising the former bishop, said their father always promoted agape love in its true meaning in the Bible, the highest, most selfless unconditional love, and strongly believed in reconciliation with whoever he wronged.   

Bishop Ssenyonjo's service at Namirembe Church on Thursday. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

Some of the children of the late Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo, led by Peter Kyambadde (centre), pay tribute to their father during the funeral service at Namirembe Cathedral on July 24, 2026. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

Bishops and other clergy attend the funeral service for the late former Bishop of West Buganda Diocese, Dr Christopher Ssenyonjo, at Namirembe Cathedral on July 24, 2026. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

Bishop Ssenyonjo, who at one time became controversial and was excommunicated by the Church of Uganda for defending the rights of homosexuals, passed away at Mengo Hospital at due to lung cancer.

Peter Kyambadde, speaking on behalf of the ten children during a funeral service at St Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe on Thursday (July 23), said that the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr Stephen Kaziiimba Mugalu, the bishop of Namirembe, Moses Banja and several other clergy and Christians visited their father while in hospital, and several others went to his home in Bukoto to condole with the family after he passed on.

“Our father promoted agape Love. He also loved us, educated us, but also loved so many children whom he supported throughout his entire life,” said Kyambadde during the service.

Bishop Banja led the service and delivered the apology of the archbishop, saying he had pledged to lead the service, but unfortunately, he lost two close relatives and asked him to stand in for him.

Bishop Moses Banja of Namirembe (right) prays during the funeral service for the late former Bishop of West Buganda Diocese, Dr Christopher Ssenyonjo, at Namirembe Cathedral on July 24, 2026. Also pictured is former Bishop of West Buganda, Katumba Tamale (left). (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

Some of the mourners who attended Bishop Ssenyonjo's funeral at Namirembe. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

Several other bishops attended the service, including Enos Kitto Kagodo of Mukono, retired bishops Danstan Bukenya, Katumba Tamale, Dr Hannington Mutebi, Eliphaz Maari, among others.

Former Bishop of West Buganda Diocese, Katumba Tamale, prays during the funeral service for the late Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

Ssenyonjo, a former vicar at Namirembe diocese, was bishop of West Buganda for 24 years.

“Our father taught us to always be humble. He has been endeavouring to promote peace and reconciliation and respect for others,” Kyambadde said and quoted Corinthians 13, saying he wanted everyone to promote peace.

Buganda Kingdom was represented by a team led by the deputy Katikkiro, Robert Wagwa Nsibirwa, who read Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi’s message during the funeral service.

The Kabaka said he knew Ssenyonjo for a long time and during his tenure as bishop of West Buganda, he closely worked with the kingdom and the monarch.

“We have been consulting Bishop Ssenyonjo on various occasions over different matters, we will miss him. We send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” the Kabaka’s message read in part.

The Kabaka thanked the Lord for the life of Ssenyonjo and his long service to the kingdom and his country. The Buganda anthem was played in the Church soon after the Kabaka’s eulogy was read.

Some of the children of the late Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo lay a wreath on his casket during the funeral service at Namirembe Cathedral on July 24, 2026. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

Some mourners lay wreaths on the coffin during the funeral service for the late Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

Lawyer John Katende (second left) was among the mourners who laid wreaths on the casket of the late Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo during the funeral service. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

Former Bishop of West Buganda Diocese, Katumba Tamale (third left), joins other clergy in laying wreaths on the casket of the late Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo during the funeral service. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)

Ssenyonjo was sponsored by Buganda Kingdom for his education at King’s College Budo and was given the Order of Merit award for distinguished service by the old students’ association.

Bishop Banja commended one of Ssenyonjo’s children, Dr David Muyanja, a senior consultant and head of the department of internal medicine at Mengo Hospital, for treating and caring for the clergy, which he attributed to good nurturing by his parents.

“We commend Dr Muyanja for giving all the necessary treatment to his father until his death. But he has also provided treatment to many bishops and the clergy, including myself. We acknowledge his contribution and attribute it to the love and good upbringing from his parents."

He asked the over 36 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren to remain in the Church of Uganda where bishop Ssenyonjo has left them and asked them to always walk in the path of the Lord.

He said Ssenyonjo loved and accepted God, adding that is what God requires all humankind: to repent their sins, get saved and go back to God.

“You must put all things right before your Creator - 2 Corinthians 5:17,” preached Banja, and referred to a repentant man crucified next to Jesus who asked for forgiveness and salvation and granted his request. He asked everyone to repent and prepare for the last days.

Ssenyonjo was laid to rest on Saturday (July 25) at Kabayima in Kiboga district, along Hoima road.