Long-serving nun Sister Emirina Nakiganda laid to rest

By Juliet Lukwago

Long-serving nun of Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix Ggogonya in Kampala Archdiocese, Sister Maria Yoana Emirina Nakiganda has been laid to rest at Ggogonya convent graveyard.

Sister Nakiganda, 86, was the former matron of St. Theresa Primary School, Kisubi and Nsambya Babies Home.

Msgr. Charles Kasibante, who preached at the requiem mass for Nakiganda, hailed her for devotedly serving the church.

Kasibante, who represented the Archbishop, Dr. Cyprian Lwanga, also hailed Nakiganda for the work she had done for the Catholic Church and asked nuns to emulate her.

Meanwhile, Sister Christine Kiiza, Superior Mother of the congregation, praised her saying she was a dedicated nun and a role model to them all.

She said Nakiganda was also influential in serving the community, which led many to love their religion.

“Although she was old, she was a dedicated nun,” Kiiza said.

According to Sister Kiiza, Nakiganda was born to the late John Kivubi and Maria Nakyejwe of Janya in Kkonge parish presently Mpigi, Kampala Archdiocese on April 24, 1926.

She said Pope Benedict XVI recognised her with a certificate during celebrations to mark her 60 years of service in 2011.

Nakiganda become a nun in January, 1950. She was among the fourth group in the congregation of Mary Reparatrix Ggogonya and was appointed as teacher of catechism at Entebbe Convert in 1951-1952, before she went to Ggoli Parish in 1953.

In 1957-1958, Nakiganda served as matron at Kisubi Seminary for one year. Between 1955-1958, she worked in several parishes including Ggoli, Nsanjwere Junior Seminary, and Ggogonya.

Nakiganda was sister in charge of Mwera convent in Mityana. In 1981-1984, she was in Ggoli convert in charge of farms. 1n 1985-1987, she served at St. Kizito Bethany convert Kiyinda-Mityana before joining St. Theresa Girls boarding primary school, Kisubi as a matron.