Mbarara ecclesiastical province walk up today the 18th June 2023 with the shocking news of the loss of the Emeritus Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese Paul K.Bakyenga.
The news of Archbishop Bakyenga’s demise was confirmed by Rev.Fr.Charles Mutabaruka the communications director of the Mbarara Archdiocese.
Bakyenga, whose journey as a priest started in 1971 at the age of 27, passed away at St. Francis Hospital, Nsambya. The Emeritus Archbishop has been in and out of the hospital for the past five years.
The Catholic Church issued a statement today about his demise.
The Archdiocese of Mbarara released a statement conveying the sad news, “The Most Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha, the Archbishop of Mbarara, with deep sorrow announces the death of the Most Rev. Paul K. Bakyenga, the Archbishop Emeritus of Mbarara, which occurred on July 18, 2023 at Nsambya Hospital. The burial arrangements will be communicated later. Let us pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.”
BRIEF PROFILE OF ARCHBISHOP BAKYENGA.
FALLEN ARCHBISHOP PAUL K. BAKYENGA
Paul K. Bakyenga was a fourth born child in the family of 10 children of Sipiriano Kaamuza and Maria Gakibayo of Bumbaire, Igara in Bushenyi district. He went to Ibaare primary school before he joined Ibanda Preparatory seminary school from 1958 to 1960. He then attended pre-primary school in the church building at Bweeza writing on sand and banana leaves.
In 1961 Bakyenga joined Kitabi Seminary from Ibanda and then enrolled at Bukalasa seminary for his A’level studies but did’t complete. The late Archbishop then enrolled for Katigondo National seminary to do his philosophical studies. Later he was sent by the Bishop John Baptist Kakubi to Scotland to do theological studies at St.Andrews College. Bakyenga was ordained a priest on 11 July 1971 at Mushanga Parish at the age of 27.
The late Archbishop Bakyenga served in various capacities as a priest including serveing as Chaplain of Ntare School in Mbarara, Rector of Kitabi Seminary, and Rector of Ggaba National Seminary.
Bakyenga was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Mbarara, Uganda on 6 March 1989. He was consecrated as bishop on 24 June 1989 at Mbarara by Bishop John Baptist Kakubi, Bishop of Mbarara, assisted by Bishop Adrian Kivumbi Ddungu, Bishop of Masaka and Bishop Serapio Bwemi Magambo, Bishop of Fort Portal.
In 1991, when Bishop Kakubi resigned at the age of 61, Archbishop Bakyenga assumed the role of Bishop of Mbarara. Under his leadership, the Mbarara Diocese was elevated to an archdiocese in 1999, and he became its first Archbishop. He was responsible for overseeing the Western ecclesiastical province, which covers the dioceses of Hoima, Fort Portal, Kasese, and Kabale.
Throughout his tenure, Archbishop Bakyenga provided spiritual guidance and pastoral care to the faithful in the region. His unwavering dedication and commitment to his religious duties have left a profound impact on the community. Archbishop Bakyenga retired from his position in 2020 after serving the church and the people with unwavering devotion for several decades. He was succeeded by Lambert Bainomugisha. END