By Joseph Mary Buwule
KAMPALA, UGANDA
The Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, the Most Rev. Dr. Paul Ssemogerere, has called upon Christians to live their lives in constant preparation for death, urging them to ensure that their souls are ready to meet Christ at any time.
Archbishop Ssemogerere made the call while celebrating Holy Mass during the funeral rites of Mzee Anthony Kiwanuka Lwanyaga, the father of Rev. Fr. JC Kiwanuka, Chaplain of Trinity College Nabbigo.
The Archbishop reminded Christians that death is part of the human journey and that no one knows when their earthly life will come to an end.
He encouraged the faithful to strengthen their relationship with God, live according to Christian teachings, remain committed to prayer and good works, and prepare themselves for eternal life.
Archbishop Ssemogerere cautioned Christians against waiting until the final moments of their lives to seek reconciliation with God. Instead, he urged them to make faith, prayer, forgiveness and service to others part of their daily lives.
The funeral Mass brought together members of the clergy, relatives, friends, Christians and well-wishers who gathered to pay their final respects to Mzee Anthony Kiwanuka Lwanyaga and celebrate his life and contribution to the Catholic Church.
Remembered for Service to the Church
Speaker after speaker paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as a committed Christian who dedicated a significant part of his life to serving God and supporting the Catholic faith.
Mzee Anthony Kiwanuka Lwanyaga was particularly remembered for his service in Kitagobwa Parish, where he played an active role in strengthening the Catholic faith among Christians.
Mourners said he contributed to the establishment and development of prayer centres, which became important places where Christians gathered for prayer, spiritual formation and the promotion of Catholic teachings.
His contribution, they said, went beyond regular participation in church services, as he actively encouraged fellow Christians to deepen their faith and remain committed to the teachings of the Church.
Those who spoke at the funeral described him as a devoted Christian whose legacy will continue through the prayer communities and spiritual initiatives he helped establish.
A Life Dedicated to Faith and Family
At the age of 91, Mzee Anthony Kiwanuka Lwanyaga leaves behind a legacy of faith, family and service to the Church.
His life was celebrated not only as that of a father and family man, but also as that of a Christian who devoted his time and energy to strengthening the faith of others.
The presence of Archbishop Ssemogerere and members of the clergy at the funeral underscored the importance of his contribution to the Catholic community.
The Archbishop’s message also gave mourners an opportunity to reflect on their own lives, reminding them that the Christian response to death should be guided by faith in Christ and a commitment to living according to God’s teachings.
Final Journey
Following the funeral Mass, Mzee Anthony Kiwanuka Lwanyaga was laid to rest at Kitezi, near Kampala, where family members, relatives, friends and members of the Catholic community gathered to give him a final farewell.
As mourners returned home, the message from Archbishop Ssemogerere remained central: Christians should not wait for death to remind them about God, but should live every day in readiness, faith, prayer and service.
For the family of Rev. Fr. JC Kiwanuka, the burial marked the end of an earthly journey for their beloved father, but also the beginning of a lasting remembrance of a man whose life was closely associated with faith, prayer, family and service to the Catholic Church.