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The Church of Uganda Archbishop, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has challenged leaders against clinging onto jobs, urging them to retire with a good record before age and society eliminate them. 

“Brothers and sisters, don’t cling to the mindset of superiority from the past job or status. Others have clang to the past they don’t even remember us. You did your part, let others continue. Work will always grow younger but for us, we grow old. 

"When you clock the age of 60-65, the workplace eliminates whether you like it or not, no matter how successful and hard work you had been. And at the age of 70, society gradually eliminates you slowly by slowly, friends become fewer and fewer because people loved you when you were still in office,” the archbishop said. 

Kaziimba was addressing hundreds of mourners that turned up for the burial of Ankole Diocese Bishop Emeritus George William Tibeesigwa at St James Cathedral, Ruharo, and Mbarara City on Saturday (August 12, 2023). 

Tibeesigwa, who hailed from Rugando, Rwampara district, died on Wednesday at Mayanja Memorial Hospital in Mbarara City at the age of 78. 

He served for three years as bishop of Ankole Diocese from 2007 to 2010.

He was buried at the diocese's cemetery at St. James Cathedral. 

Tibeesigwa is survived by his wife Ephrance K. Kemirembe Tibeesigwa, and the couple was blessed with five biological children.

Kaziimba said Tibeesigwa should be emulated for his work, noting that he worked diligently and faced with positivity the challenges of the provincial secretariat at the time. 

“Bishop Tibeesigwa fought a good fight and what was remaining is the crown. But how do you finish well, run with patience the race that is set before us, by having our eyes focused on Jesus. Looking unto Jesus the author and saviour,” Kaziimba explained. 

He also asked Ugandans to stand with leaders to resist evil, work together, fight corruption together and not succumb to threats and temptations, noting that "the Lord who kept us during COVID-19 will be able to keep us in all circumstances." 

“Don’t be diverted. After President Museveni signed that anti-homosexuality Bill into law to protect our children, we have had the problems of some people trying to divert us because their eyes were on getting the money. But the Lord who kept us during COVID-19 will be able to keep us in all circumstances,” He added. 

Ephrance said her late husband was a loving man, who had a call to serve and fulfilled it diligently. He was a workaholic and he completed his work very well. 

He was orderly and liked neatness, and though was struggling financially, he ensured that their children go to good schools because he believed in and cherished quality education. 

She commended Ankole Diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. Ass. Prof. Sheldon Mwesigwa for connecting the family to state house when Tibeesigwa got sick and the office for the presidency for commitment to supporting and meeting medical expenses during the time he has been sick as well as a contribution to all burial arrangements. 

Tibeesigwa was a special president for the southwestern region at the time of his death. 

She hailed Political leadership in Rwampara district council, and pledged to work on the road established by Tibeesigwa will be upgraded and be named Bishop George Road. 

Ephranse also added that she was touched by the promise of Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe, the South Ankole Bishop to complete school in Ngomba, Ntungamo and it will be named Bishop George Primary School. 

“Tibeesigwa was born in Nyarubumba, and when we went there, the family decided to contribute to the construction of Ngomba Church and the construction works of the school as a gift to the community where he was born which he fulfilled. I am happy that Bishop Ahimbisibwe has pledged to have the school completed and named Bishop George Primary School,” she said. 

Amos Kankunda, the Rwampara county MP, also pledged that the leadership in his county will sit with the family and agree on ways to raise funds to make sure that All Saints Church Rugando, for which Tibeesigwa donated land for construction, is completed in his remembrance.

Rwampara district council leadership also pledged to work on the road established by Tibeesigwa will be upgraded and named Bishop George Road. 

Chris Rwakasisi Rutimbirayo, who represented the minister for presidency, Milly Babalanda, described the late Tibeesigwa as a saint, one of his spiritual counsellors and love his depth in spiritual matters. 

In her message, minister Babalanda said “The death of the late is a very big loss to the National Resistance Movement party, the country has lost a great Citizen and a servant of God, although no one can take away the soul that you bear now. 

Another message signed by Hajji Yunus Kakande, the secretary for the presidency said they lost a patriot and an elder, the late was appointed on April 23, 2012, as a senior presidential advisor South Western Uganda, a post he held till his death. 

He diligently served the country in various capacities with passion and great enthusiasm. Death is a challenge, it tells us not to waste time but appreciates each other. The office for of the presidency has contributed shs88m towards burial expenses. 

The Rt. Rev. Associate Prof. Sheldon Mwesigwa, the Ankole Diocese bishop, commended the Office of the President for the support with burial expenses, saying the diocese would have struggled to raise funds and make a colourful send-off. 

He promised that the deceased’s widow will continue benefiting from the Ankole Diocese pension scheme, where the retired bishops and their wives get a minimum of shs700,000 per month. 

Bishops eulogise Tibeesigwa

The bishops’ comments, captured by Archbishop Kaziima from a number of Bishops' platforms, described Tibeesigwa as an encyclopedia, a big asset in the community, a counsellor, a leader, administrator who left a legacy. 

Bishop emeritus Rt Rev James William Ssebaggala Ssebagala of Mukono: The demise of George is a loss of encyclopedia to our church, a teacher, a provincial secretary, a bishop, counsellor and a brother indeed.

Bishop emeritus Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira of Namirembe: He served very well and now he can go back to him.

Bishop Johnson Gakumba of Northern Uganda: Remembering the legacy and net worthy of Tibeesigwa, the realm of faith Leadership and Community service, the passing on of a notable figure leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire and shape the lives of many, such is the case with Tibeesigwa. 

Bishop emeritus Yonah Katonene of West Ankole: He has left a legacy for which we thank God for his life and faithfulness, he has fought a good fight. 

Bishop emeritus Nathan Kyamanywa of Bunyoro-Kitara Diocese: We have lost an elder, teacher, administrator, priest, Counsellor, and bishop with a sense of humour who knew how to communicate. 

Bishop Johnson Twinomujuni of West Ankole Diocese: Tibeesigwa was a big asset in the community, church and government. I think that is why His Excellency chose him as his advisor in religious affairs. 

He was a seasoned and world-gifted minister. We shall remember his jovial mood, sense of humour, accurate memory, organizational skills, and diligent work ethic.