MPs pay tribute to fallen Archbishop Kizito Lwanga
Parliament has paid tribute to the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, who succumbed to Ischemic heart disease at his residence on Saturday, 3 April 2021.
In a sitting chaired by Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, the motion to honour the fallen Archbishop was moved by the Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda who said that Lwanga was a diligent leader who greatly contributed to the growth of the Christian Faith and the country at large.
“The Archbishop was a strong advocate to the rule of law, constitutionalism, respect for human rights and freedoms, peace and justice, national cohesion and unity as a tool for social economic transformation,” Rugunda said.
He was a committed priest to his parishioners always looking for ways to improve their wellbeing as an advocate to work.
“Archbishop was a transformation leader, supported and contributed to the success of many village entrepreneurship groups. He founded the Wekembe Microfinance Bank to provide financial services to low income members of society so as to improve the quality of their lives and Wekembe benefits over 30,000 people,” he said.
While seconding the motion, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Betty Aol Ocan, said that the Archbishop was a real spiritual leader and was ready at all times to give direction without fear or favour.
“He mentored, nurtured and offered us spiritual direction. He was also a talented and brilliant son of Uganda who desired nothing but the best for his country, had unmatched energy for hard work which was seen in the different places and diocese he worked for. He shall be remembered for his firm character in the areas where corruption was concerned, true advocacy for human rights abuse and passion for humanity,” she said.
The State Minister for Higher Education, Hon. John Chrysostom Muyingo, said that the Archbishop, was a great teacher, parent and pastor to many.
“The late preached peace, justice, welfare and human rights. He wanted to see everyone enjoying life in this country. He rose from a humble background in Kyabakadde in Mukono where no one knew that village. He has been a friend to the poor, sick and the elderly and he always encouraged us to be good Samaritans,” Muyingo said.
Hon. Latif Sebaggala (Indep. Kawempe Division North) said that the Archbishop was a unifying religious leader who did not just lead the Catholics, but all people in Uganda.
“On behalf of the Muslims, I would like to agree that the late Archbishop united us all regardless of our religious affiliation. He was a human’s right defender and indeed if we are to honour him, we have to defend the rights of those who are oppressed. He has been appealing to government if there is any excesses in arresting Ugandans and asked that this should change,” Sebaggala said.
The Amuru Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Lucy Akello, said that he was a true example of how a Christian should be.
“Everything that has been said is a summary of Mathew 25: 34-40. Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters you do unto me. This is a challenge to us all, and also he made sure that he always found time amidst his busy schedule to visit and spend time with his family. How many of us can do this?” Akello asked.
Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, (Jeema, Bugiri Municipality), while supporting the motion said that, the Archbishop stood for forgiveness and peace.
“The Archbishop came to visit those that were hurt in the Arua incidence and were hospitalised at Rubaga Hospital. As he was leaving, he advised us to forgive whenever there was an opportunity and also when given a chance to speak and engage in peaceful activities,” Basalirwa said.
Kadaga also said that members had given a befitting tribute where the House had learnt of the good deeds that the Archbishop did.
“We have heard about the lives he touched, the people he gave jobs, the communities he transformed, the water; the health; the schools he helped establish, and the patriot that he was,” she said.
Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga was born on 19 January 1953.