Archbishop Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture held in Kampala

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The 28th public lecture in memorial honour of Archbishop Dr Joseph Nakabaale Kiwanuka was successfully held at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel Kampala on March 6, 2025.

The lecture, organised by Lubaga Cathedral National Foundation, was delivered by Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, a senior Makerere University lecturer.

Ssentongo asked contemporary religious leaders to emulate the visionary leadership and courage of Archbishop Kiwanuka, who he said, never feared to say the truth and always responded to the afflictions of his people.

Archbishop Dr. Joseph Nakabaale Kiwanuka

Ssentongo later encouraged Church leaders and politicians to work together in harmony to be able to fulfil their God-given mandate to the people.

 “There is a lot to learn from Archbishop Kiwanuka in imagining how politics should relate with religion. The times may be different, the players are different, but there is a lot that is relatable. The Church needed politicians then, the Church needs them today. The politicians needed the Church then, the politicians need the Church today. Mutual guidance is necessary. There was a lot to fear during Kiwanuka’s time, there is a lot to fear today. Courage remains a crucial virtue. There were many injustices that needed to be spoken to then, there are so many today. We cannot remain silent," Ssentongo said.

Discussant Christine Mugerwa Kasule, also Democratic Party deputy secretary general, emphasized the need for politicians and ecclesial leaders to work together because they serve the same people. She also called for proper understanding/practicing of politics with the view of promoting the common good of the people.

A spectacle of the guests during the progression of the 28th Archbishop Joseph Nakabaale Kiwanuka Memorial lecture at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel Kampala on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Archbishop of Kampala Paul Ssemogerere called for collective efforts in the promotion of democratic governance, peace and justice. He clarified that the duty to denounce the misrule and abuse of power by politicians was for all believers and Ugandans, not only the clergy

Ssemogerere concurred with Ssentongo that the Church needs courage to put political leaders to task to be accountable to the people, especially the poor and the vulnerable.

The chairperson of Lubaga Cathedral National Foundation, Prof. Jane Mulema and vice-chairperson Prof. Maria Musoke also paid flowery tributes to Archbishop Nakabaale Kiwanuka, highlighting his resilience and unwavering commitment to human dignity, reconciliation and unity.

Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, who was the chief guest, put more emphasis on the need for the clergy to mobilise the country’s young people to take advantage of the wealth-creation programmes put in place by government to free themselves from the yoke of poverty.

Hon Matia Kasaija (left) handing over to Robert Ssempa an envelope containing shillings two million that he donated to Lubaga Cathedral National Foundation during the lecture. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

A Brief on Archbishop Kiwanuka

Archbishop Dr Joseph Nakabaale Kiwanuka (1899-1966) was the first black African Bishop (Africa South of the Sahara). 

He was appointed Vicar Apostolic of Masaka in 1939.  

In 1960, he was appointed archbishop of Rubaga. 

As a pioneering Ugandan Catholic Prelate and confrere of the society of the White Fathers (Missionaries Africa), Kiwanuka promoted socio-economic development with deep commitment. 

As a bishop in Masaka, he came up with educational, health and community development initiatives/programs that drastically elevated the living standards of his people. 

Kiwanuka is also acknowledged with greater admiration for his contribution to Uganda’s politics. 

Through his pastoral letter, Church and State: Guiding Principles (1961), Kiwanuka sensitised/organized Ugandans for the country’s political independence. He advocated for democratic governance, peace, justice, human rights and genuine nationalism. 

It is in recognition of his wonder attributes that Lubaga Cathedral National Foundation established an annual lecture in his honour and memory.