Rev. Fr. Dr. Deogratias Ssonko was laid to rest at Kisubi Minor Seminary in Wakiso district on Friday.

At the time of his death on Wednesday this week at the age of 63, Ssonko was serving as the Kampala Archdiocesan director of projects as well as curate of Kyengera Catholic parish.

Hundreds of mourners, including members of his family, gathered at Kisubi Seminary to say a final farewell to a man who dedicated 36 years of his life to priesthood.

It emerged that he had been ill for many weeks although the cause of his death was not revealed.

The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, led the final Requiem Mass assisted by Bishop Lawrence Mukasa of Kasana-Luweero and monsignors Charles Kasibante, Gerald Kalumba, John Baptist Ssebayigga, John Wynand Katende.

Fr Emmanuel Kiganda from Kiyinda-Mityana diocese, the brother of late Fr Dr Deogratias Ssonko at Kisubi Seminary during his elder brother's final Requiem Mass on Friday, April 5, 2024.

Several members of the clergy were present for the solemn occasion.

In his message, Ssemogerere said that while mourning a deceased person, it is important particularly highlight their good deeds.

Ssonko was described as having been a man of many talents, including being a teacher.

A gifted priest, he also served as director of the Pontifical Missionary Societies (PMS) in Kampala Archdiocese as well as the parish priest of Mengo-Kisenyi parish and Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo for eight years.

Ssemogerere paid tribute to Ssonko's parents for having "given us two children to serve the Church", referring to the late's brother, Fr. Emmanuel Kiganda.

Bishop Mukasa said the many people who attended the burial was a testament to the love he had for people. "He was always there for a lot of people.”

He added: “On behalf of Kasana-Luweero, where Fr Ssonko had his first appointment at Nattyole parish as it is still Kampala Archdiocese, we console the Archbishop Ssemogerere for the loss of this priest.”

Mukasa said he taught alongside Ssonko at Ggaba Seminary. "He was a wise man, he used to lead us in liturgy.”