Church commemorates Archbishop Lwanga

The late Archbishop Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga is still remembered with deep admiration. Lwanga died on April 3, 2021. Formerly the Bishop of Kasana-Luwero and later Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Lwanga is acknowledged for his deep understanding of the Catholic Church’s holistic evangelistic strategy, which takes into account the spiritual, physical and material well-being of the people. As a way of transforming people and communities, Lwanga built churches, schools and health facilities. He started savings and credit co-operative organisations such as Wekembe, Micro- Credit Scheme to free people from poverty as well as empowerment programmes for children, youth, women and other vulnerable/marginalised people.

The late Archbishop Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga

Lwanga also paid school fees for thousands of orphans and impoverished children. On top of that, he started specialised projects to fi ght HIV/AIDS. Lwanga was a crusader for peace, justice, reconciliation, democratic governance and the rule of law. He sensitised Ugandans against domestic violence, drug-abuse, environmental destruction and other vices. His family members were fully aware of these and many other amazing things that he did for the Church, the country and humanity. So, the family started an organisation — Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga Foundation, to keep his legacy Monday, April 14, 2025 alive. The organisation’s executive director is Rose Namutebi Lukwago. “He was a multi-gifted religious leader with a unique ability to identify and develop talents. He was a man of big dreams. If he got a dream, he would pray and then implement it with faith and determination.

Apostolic Nuncio (emeritus), Dr Augustine Kasujja

He was a champion of quality healthcare and education. We felt obliged to start a foundation and continue his legacy,” Lukwago said. She added: “The foundation is now fully registered. Its head offi ce is at Kyabakadde, Mukono district. We request the public to support us as we promote his noble works, values and aspirations.”

Rubaga Cathedral Choir

MEMORIAL ACTIVITIES As one of the activities to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the prelate’s death, the foundation, in partnership with Kampala Archdiocese, Centenary Bank and hospitals; Rubaga, Nsambya, Kisubi organised a mega health camp during which over 1,000 patients with various illnesses were screened, tested and treated. The free treatment saw patients get medication for malaria, cancer and dental infections, among other ailments.

Rubaga Hospital Specialist Centre

The camp held at Rubaga Hospital Specialist Centre on Wednesday and Thursday was offi cially opened by the Christ the King Church parish priest, Msgr Gerald Kalumba. The chancellor, Fr Dr Pius Male and some members of Archbishop Lwanga’s family also graced the event as well as Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere. Another important activity was the glorious memorial Mass at Rubaga Cathedral on Thursday was presided over by the Catholic Church’s vicar general, Msgr Rogers Kabuye. The Apostolic Nuncio emeritus, Archbishop Dr Augustine Kasujja, was among the co-celebrants.The commemorative events climaxed with the maiden memorial lecture at Uganda Catholic Management and Training Institute Rubaga. It was delivered by Dr Peter Kimbowa, a c e l e b r a t e d consultant and life coach, who spoke on the theme:Empowering Communities to be Pilgrims of hope.

The head of the Catholic laity in Uganda, Gervas Ndyanabo (second-right), Lady Emily Mwaka (third-left) with other Christian leaders during the memorial Mass at Rubaga Cathedral in Kampala on Thursday

An optician (right) carries out a diagnosis on one of her patients during the health camp at Rubaga Hospital Specialist Centre in Kampala

Apostolic Nuncio (emeritus), Dr Augustine Kasujja (left) looks on as Msgr Francis Xavier Mpanga (right) sprinkles holy water on the tomb of Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga in Rubaga Cathedral on Thursday