Kampala, (UG):- The last public appearance and words by the late Bishop Emeritus of the Anglican Diocese of Namirembe, Samuel Balagadde Ssekadde have revealed shocking facts about his death. Ssekadde was in his 80s.
Rev Ssekadde, who was Bishop of Namirembe Diocese from 1994 to 2009 was Monday evening pronounced dead at Kisubi Hospital where he had been rushed after a short illness.
His was confirmed by the Namirembe Diocese Fathers Union and Namirembe Cathedral through a social media post without revealing the exact cause of his death.
Bishop Ssekadde had earlier on Monday appeared in Rushere-Nyabushozi for the burial of the late Mrs Norah Karakire where according to one of the mourners, he expressed a desire to speak before heading back to Entebbe.
“He requested to say something before he could start his journey back to Entebbe,” recalled a mourner at Karakire’s funeral.
“He (Ssekadde) gave a good testimony about the late and spoke fondly about her commitment to Christ. He said that it was wise to be in Christ so that when we die, we die in him,” said the mourner.
He said; “Tomanyi nze addako”, “gwe oddako,” loosely translated as; (You and I will follow the deceased). The man of God prayed and left.
According to the mourner, the Bishop emeritus was so sound, strong, and looked healthy. “This Life is indeed nothing. Vanity, vanity, vanity. May His soul rest in peace.”
Bishop Ssekadde mourned
In the wake of his passing, a long list of senior citizens and clergy members have taken to social media to pay tribute to the bishop emeritus.
Speaker Anita Among said in a post on her official X handle thus; “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Rt. Rev. Samuel Balagadde Ssekadde, Bishop Emeritus of Namirembe Diocese. His unwavering dedication to God, the Church, and the people of Uganda leaves behind a profound legacy of faith, humility, and love. I extend my heartfelt condolences to His Grace and the House of Bishops, the province of the Church of Uganda, his family, and friends during this time of grief. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
On his part, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, praised him for leaving behind a strong legacy rooted in promoting God’s message.
“I am saddened to learn of the death of Retired Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Balagadde Ssekade. He has left behind a strong legacy anchored on shepherding God’s sheep for over 50 years. My condolences go out to the family, Archbishop Church of Uganda and fellow believers. May the Bishop’s soul rest in eternal peace,” Tayebwa said on X (formerly Twitter) platform.
The Leader of Opposition, Hon Joel Ssenyonyi posted, “The passing of the Rt. Rev. Samuel Balagadde Ssekadde, former Bishop of Namirembe Diocese is very saddening. We thank God for his service to God and the church over the years. Kitalo nyo dala.”
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