Canon Ddungu laid to rest

The Kabaka also admired Ddungu's social disposition, kindness and friendliness. Kabaka Mutebi's message was delivered by Nalinnya Elizabeth Nakabiri.

RELIGION|DEATH|DDUNGU

KAMPALA - Glorious tributes have been paid to Canon James Lutaaya Ddungu, the veteran pharmaceutical industrialist and Christian philanthropist who succumbed to Covid-19 on December 29. 

He was aged 84. Ddungu's tributes were delivered during his burial at Martyrs Church, Busega on January 1, 2021.

Canon Ddungu was laid to rest in the grave he constructed for himself and that of his wife Ruth Nambweere (RIP), about 20 years ago, when they were both still very healthy and energetic.


Among those who honoured Ddungu was the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, who praised the deceased for his unrivaled commitment to the Kingdom, the Church and the country. 

The Kabaka also admired Ddungu's social disposition, kindness and friendliness. Kabaka Mutebi's message was delivered by Nalinnya Elizabeth Nakabiri.

The portrait of Paul Ssenkungu Ddungu, who was declared in absentia as the heir of Canon James Lutaaya Ddungu.


The minister of lands, Hon Beti Namisango Kamya, spoke passionately about Canon Ddungu's contribution to the country's development through industrialisation. 

She suggested that Canon Ddungu be immortalised by the local leadership, in a special way, by renaming after him the area in Nateete, where his factory is located (Factory Zone).

A spectacle of Martyrs Church Busega that was built by Canon James Lutaaya Ddungu, where he was also buried on January 1.


Prelates such as Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira of Namirembe diocese, Bishop James William Ssebaggala of Mukono, Bishop Dr Coplian Bukenya (Emeritus, Mityana), Bishop Wilson Mutebi (Emeritus, Mityana), Bishop James Bukomeko of Mityana and Bishop Michael Lubowa of Central Buganda praised Cannon Ddungu for his immense support to the Church and its ministers. 

The prelates were more grateful to Canon Ddungu for constructing Martyrs Church Busega, where the first three Anglican Martyrs of Uganda namely Nuwa Sserwanga, Makko Kakumba and Yusuf Lugalama were killed on January 31, 1885.

A section of mourners during the funeral service.


The Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Uganda, Dr Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu was even more passionate as he called upon Christians to emulate Canon Ddungu's exemplary commitment to Christian salvation.

Kaziimba's message proved to be so powerful that several Christians became born-again.


A brief on Canon Ddungu

He was born in 1936, in Masaka. He attended Nkoni PS, Mackay College Nateete and Mityana Bishops SS.

As a Christian philanthropist, he single-handedly funded the construction of Martyrs Church Busega, in the 80s. He also helped to build many other places of worship. 


As a pharmaceutical entrepreneur, he started Uganda Kwefuga African Industry, which manufactured the medicinal ointment called Kyapampalaasi, which became very popular in the 60s, 70s and 80s, because of its effectiveness.  Ddungu also started Ddungu Estates, Bethel Parents School Busega and Maridaadi Maize floor among several other businesses.

The portrait of the late Canon James Lutaaya Ddungu during the funeral service at Martyrs Church, Busega.


Canon Ddungu will also be remembered for constructing his grave and the grave of his wife Ruth Nambweere (RIP), about 20 years ago, when they were both still very healthy and energetic.