Nyenga Seminary vice-rector Fr Mukasa to be laid to rest at Kisubi
According to a statement released by the vicar general of Lugazi Diocese, the Rt Rev. Msgr Richard Kayondo, funeral activities will begin with a requiem Mass at 11:00am.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Mukasa (wearing a black cassock) receiving a gift from members of the organising committee of his priestly silver jubilee on September 17, 2022. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
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Rev. Fr Emmanuel Mukasa, the vice-rector of St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary Nyenga, who passed away at St Francis Hospital Nyenga on Monday (February 2), will be laid to rest at Kisubi Minor Seminary on Wednesday (February 4).
According to a statement released by the vicar general of Lugazi Diocese, the Rt Rev. Msgr Richard Kayondo, funeral activities will begin with a requiem Mass at 11:00am.
Fr Mukasa hailed from Mpigi district. He was ordained a priest at Lubaga Cathedral by Emmanuel Cardinal Dr Wamala. After his ordination, he served as a curate at Kiziba Parish, which was then under the leadership of the late Msgr Expedito Magembe. He served there for one year before being posted to Nyenga Minor Seminary, where he served continuously until his death.
In addition to his role as vice-rector, Fr. Mukasa taught several subjects at the seminary, including Latin, English, Geography, History, Christian Religious Education and Social Etiquette.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Mukasa (RIP)
Fr Mukasa was a sibling to two Catholic nuns, Sr Mary Tarsis Nammombwe and Sr Mary Teddy Nakyanzi, both professed members of the Religious Institute of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix, locally known as the Gogonya Sisters.
Three years ago, on September 17, 2022, Fr Mukasa celebrated his silver jubilee of priesthood. The colourful ceremony, held at the seminary, attracted a large congregation of admirers, relatives, friends, students and former students.
It was the last time Fr Mukasa appeared in a fully celebratory mood before the public, prompting reflection on whether he was, unknowingly, bidding farewell to those who had benefited from his nearly three decades of educational ministry.
Dr Muyingo saddened
Among those who have paid tribute to Fr Mukasa is higher education state minister Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, who described him as a seasoned educationist and moral formator who nurtured many young Ugandans in wisdom and virtue.
“He was an exemplary priest. He was a practical preacher of the Gospel. He was also a committed teacher. As an alumnus of Nyenga Seminary, I thank him in a special way for his contribution to the seminary’s academic life for the 27 years he has spent there. May the Lord grant him eternal rest,” Muyingo said.