Mary Josephine Nabuyungo: Iron Lady of Catholic Church who inherited Franciscan Spirit of Mother Kevin

_________________

The late Mary Josephine Nabuyungo, hitherto the headteacher of St. Joseph’s Mixed Primary School, Naggalama (located in Mukono district), was an interesting lady with so many delightful talents.

Her most acknowledged attribute was her deep love and commitment to the Catholic Church. She deeply assimilated the Church’s holistic mission in the world and consequently took the deliberate decision of participating in the same mission.

She supported and actively participated the Church’s evangelistic activities. She also promoted and passionately participated in the Church’s pro-people projects, particularly in the sphere education, health care, charity and social development.

Owing to her deep understanding/experience of the Church’s pro-people disposition and preferential option for the poor and the marginalized, Nabuyungo developed deep admiration of Mother Mary Kevin Kearney, the much-loved Irish nun of the Franciscan Order, who during her missionary work in Uganda, built many schools/hospitals/orphanages, and also founded the religious institute of the Franciscan Missionaries Sisters for Africa and the Little Sisters of St. Francis (locally referred to as the Sisters of Nkokonjeru).

The Little Sisters of St Francis during one of their functions that the late Josephine Mary Nabuyungo helped to organise. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

She consequently joined the association of Catholics and other people of goodwill, who put it to themselves to keep the legacy of Mother Kevin by supporting/promoting the Little Sisters of St. Francis and their work. Prior to her death, she was the President of the association, whose official name is: Friends of Mother Kevin and the Little Sisters of St. Francis.

As the leader of the association, Nabuyungo mobilised Christians to join the association and support the work of the Franciscan Sisters. She was also deeply involved in the promotion of the cause for the Beatification of Mother Kevin, whose process is underway (currently at the Vatican level).

Nabuyungo’s admirable ecclesial involvement was probably best highlighted by the Vicar-General of Lugazi Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Richard Kayondo, who presided over her requiem mass at Lugazi Cathedral.

“Our sister in the faith, Mary Josephine, has really challenged us in regard to our ecclesial commitment. She was literally everywhere when it came to serving the Church. She was always available. She served with faith and zeal, without complaining. She was self-driven, serviceable and result-oriented. She has fully utilised her gifts for the common good.”

“As a teacher, she has educated many children in wisdom and virtue. She has also provided parental guidance to young people. She was a moralist. If she saw a person badly dressed or behaving indecently, especially in church, he would call them aside and advise them accordingly. She gave her all to the service of the Church.  No wonder, when the Ordinary of Lugazi Diocese, Bishop Christopher Kakooza, received the news of her death, he requested her relatives to bring her body to the cathedral so that more Christians can have the opportunity to pray and send her off. The presence of Bishop Kakooza and Bishop Emeritus Dr Mathias Ssekamaanya is a proof that the diocese has acknowledged and appreciated Nabuyungo’s service and commitment to the Church,” said Kayondo.

Nabuyungo’s children, led by Sarah Okello, also gave an interesting testimony of their mother’s deep dedication to God, the Church and humanity.

“We know how much our mother loved the Church because she nurtured and raised us up in the Church. He was among the Christians who laid the foundation of this cathedral. She trained us as leaders. We are privileged to have shared her with the Church. We thank our bishops, the Rt. Rev. Christopher Kakooza, and the Rt. Rev. Dr. Matthias Ssekamaanya for giving her the opportunity to serve the Church. We thank the Little Sisters of St. Francis for loving and working with her. We are also grateful to the Friends of Mother Kevin and the Little Sisters of St. Francis for having confidence and trust in her, the reason why they chose him to be their leader.  Let all of us work to promote her legacy of discipline, transformative leadership and loyalty because today, the world needs leaders of integrity and compassion even much more than ever,” said Sarah.

The seasoned Catholic educationist, volunteer and lay-leader Mary Josephine Nabuyungo, 60, passed on at St. Francis Hospital Naggalama. She was laid to rest at her family burial grounds at Namanoga, Seeta-Namuganga Sub-County, Mukono District on Saturday, November 1 (2025).