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Hundreds of mourners Friday gathered at St. Phillip and Andrew’s Cathedral in Mukono Diocese to send off the Rt. Rev. Prof. Michael Solomon Ndawula Senyimba, the Bishop Emeritus of the diocese.

Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, in the company of several serving and retired bishops and other clergy, led the events of Bishop Senyimba’s burial.

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu delivering his sermon during the burial service for the late of Bishop Emeritus Michael Senyimba Ndawula at Mukono Cathedral on Friday. (Photo by Henry Nsubuga)

Archbishop Kaziimba praised the legacy left behind by Bishop Senyimba not only in Mukono Diocese, where he served as the second bishop between 1995-2002, but also at Ndejje University, where he restored its glory by laying a strong foundation for it in the field of sciences.

Rt. Rev. Prof. Michael Solomon Ndawula Ssenyimba, the Bishop Emeritus of Mukono Diocese and former Vice-Chancellor of Ndejje University. (Photo by Henry Nsubuga)

“As a man who had a PhD in Botany, though he is remembered for the policies he put in place that advocated for transparency during his reign as a Bishop of Mukono Diocese and the schools he built as an educationist, his legacy at Ndejje University was more felt,” he said.

Esther Nagginda Ssenyimba (the widow) eulogising her late husband. (Photo by Henry Nsubuga)

Kaziimba testified that Bishop Senyimba told him that throughout his service, whenever he was posted, he first found resistance, though, at a letter stage, people would understand him and love him for his wise counsel and hard work.

Bishop Senyimba replaced Bishop Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo, who had been elevated to take on the task of the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, leaving a vacuum in Mukono Diocese.

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga seated with other Buganda government officials during Bishop Senyimba's burial service at Mukono Cathedral. (Photo by Henry Nsubuga)

He later retired to his home at Migadde in Wakiso. Senyimba died at Mulago Hospital at the age of 87. 

Mourners fill Mukono Cathedral

Mourners who attended his funeral service and burial packed Mukono Cathedral, with hundreds seeking shelter in the gardens.

Catherine Ntaate (left) speaking on behalf of other Bishop Ssenyimba's children during the burial service. (Photo by Henry Nsubuga)

In a message read by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi commended Ssenyimba for taking a pivotal role in the kingdom’s Kabaka Foundation, whose board he chaired for many years.

Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga addressing the mourners. (Photo by Henry Nsubuga)

The Kabaka said Senyimba led to the restoration of Wamala tombs and also played other roles in the kingdom without hiding into his religious title as a bishop.

In his eulogy, Katikkiro Mayiga challenged people who cherish their education not to shy away from their culture, saying they should take a lesson from Ssenyimba who did not praise himself because he attained a PhD.

Bishop Ssenyimba's widow Esther Nagginda bidding farewell to her husband. (Photo by Henry Nsubuga)

Mukono Resident District Commissioner, Hajjat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka, who represented the Central Government, praised Ssenyimba, saying he was a leader who took decisions however hard they would be.

Bishop Senyimba is survived by a wife, Esther Nagginda Ssenyimba and three children, namely Catherine Ndagire Ssenyimba Ntaate, Dorcus Mugarura and Miriam Mirembe Nakalema Mugayhwenkyi.

Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga laying a wreath on Bishop Senyimba's casket. (Photo by Henry Nsubuga)

On behalf of the children, Ntaate said they are not mourning the death of their father but rather celebrating his life.

“I was surprised when someone approached me cursing God for being unfair because Dad has died, but I said that was not true. We are just thanking the Almighty for the life he has given our father. We cannot cry for his death, but we are happy that he groomed us so well and he has left us in the right path,” she said.

Archbishop Kaziimba leading other bishops in the burial of Bishop Michael Senyimba at Mukono Cathedral. Second right, looking on is Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga. (Photo by Henry Nsubuga)

Esther Senyimba described her husband as a loving, caring and Godly man everyone would wish to get, adding that he played his role as a father very well.

The family presented Dr Henry Wassajja as the heir to Bishop Senyimba. On behalf of the Church, Bishop Eria Paul Luzinda Kizito prayed for him.