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Unity in diversity has always been the desire of the civilized world. 

It was thus beautiful to see the Catholic faithful, politicians from the ruling NRM party and the opposition parties, and Monarchists from the Buganda Kingdom sitting together and participating jointly in the memorial mass for the late Benedicto Kiwanuka, Uganda’s first Prime Minister, Democratic Party leader and Chief Justice. 

The prayers at Lubaga Cathedral on Friday, September 22, 2023 were presided over by the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere assisted by the Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus, Archbishop Augustine Kasujja and a number of other clerics.

The dignitaries posing for a photo with the Catholic clerics after the memorial mass for the late Chief Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka at Lubaga Cathedral on Friday, September 22, 2023. (All Photos by Mathias Mazinga)

In attendance was a good number of political dignitaries including the Minister of Lands, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, the Leader of Opposition Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, Hon. Dr. Lulume Bayiga, Hon. John Kawanga, the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and Hon Matia Lwanga Bwanika (the Chairman of Wakiso District). 

Judicial dignitaries such as Hon Justice Richard Buteera (who represented Chief Justice Owiny Dollo) and Chief Justice Emeritus Bart Katureebe also graced the function.

The Speaker of the Great Buganda Lukiiko, Rt. Hon. Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule, and the former Katikkiro of Buganda Engineer John Baptist Walusimbi also graced the function.

All the speakers rhymed in their acknowledgement of Benedicto Kiwanuka as a firm and steadfast leader who selflessly fought for justice, human rights, the rule of law and constitutional order.

The function was organised by the department of Justice, Peace and Caritas of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kampala as one of the major activities for commemorating the month of peace.