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Thousands send off Bishop Emeritus Balagade Ssekadde who died on Monday

18 October 2024, 10:47 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Reverend Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, led the faithful at St. Paul’s Church, Namirembe, in a service to send off the fourth Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Samuel Balagade Ssekadde, Bishop Ssekadde passed away at the age of 80 on October 14th ,2024 at Kisubi Hospital in Kampala. During the service, the archbishop highlighted Bishop Ssekadde’s significant contributions both before and after his retirement. He said, ” Bishop Samuel Balagade Ssekadde trained the clergy, including me. He was our principal at Uganda Martyrs Seminary, Namugongo. He taught me worship and administration. Recently, during a retreat for retired bishops and their spouses at Lweza, he made excellent contributions. Although we had scheduled another retreat for July 22 to 25, 2025, God has called him home. He will be dearly missed”. The archbishop also encouraged everyone to make a will, emphasising that it minimises problems after one’s passing.

Bishop Moses Banja, the 6th bishop of Namirembe Diocese, expressed concern about the spread of misinformation on social media, which he said misleads the public. He applauded the late Bishop for the good work he was able to do during his tenure. In her speech, the widow to the late, Allen Balagade described her late husband as a unique person in the things he’s been doing. Bishop Emeritus Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira also described Ssekadde as a true servant of God. The Kabaka of Buganda kingdom, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, in a message he sent to the family and the church, through Prince David Kintu Wasajja, said that Bishop Ssekadde has been a respectful person and had a very good relationship with the kingdom of Buganda and also played a great role during the royal wedding in 1999 which was led by the Archbishop, Mpalanyi Nkoyooyo at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe.

The Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja represented President Museveni and in his later, Museveni applauded the late for a significant role he played in shaping the spiritual landscape of Uganda through his pastoral work. “Condolences to the family, Church of Uganda and the entire nation, let’s all emulate his good deeds as we pray for his soul to rest in peace” Museveni said in a letter. The Prime Minister handed over thirty-five million Shillings (Shs 35 million) to Mrs. Allen Ssekadde, with thirty million from the president and five million from herself. Four-time Presidential Candidate Dr. kizza Besigye also described the deceased as a veteran servant of God.

Bishop Emeritus Samuel Balagade Ssekadde was born on January 31, 1944, to Michael and Torefina Kyobe in Kitekannya village, Luweero district. He went to Semuto Preparatory school, followed by Ndejje Secondary School and later, Lubiri Secondary School. He then joined Iganga Teachers College and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Social Administration from Makerere University. He continued for a Masters in Development Administration from Birmingham UK. At the age of 24 in 1968, he started his ministry journey and received pastoral training at Bishop Tucher Theological College in Mukono and Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation in Zambia. He married Allen and by God’s grace they managed to raise biological and adopted children, along with several grandchildren.

He was consecrated as the fourth Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, succeeding Bishop Misaeri Maggwa Kauma. During his tenure, he spearheaded initiatives in health, education and community development. He retired in 2009 and was succeeded by Bishop Emeritus Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira who recently on 10th, December 2023, handed over the mantle to the current 6th Bishop, Moses Banja. Bishop Ssekadde faced some challenges during his tenure and one of them was accusations of illegal selling of some Church property. He however, asked the faithful to forgive him for any shortcomings during his time. Like any other older persons, Balagade has been dealing with some health issues including hypertension according to his adopted daughter, Ninsiima Ruth. The children described their father as a caring and loving responsible father.

Among those in attendance at the funeral service were the Queen of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, NUP Party President, Robert Kyagulanyi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Senyonyi, Second Deputy Katikiro of Buganda, Waggwa Nsibirwa, Minister of State for ICT, Hon. Nabbosa Ssebugwawo who noted that Ssekadde loved everyone, and never discriminated. “Stop discriminating people basing on political party, culture or religion. God loves us all. I encourage people to learn from Bishop Ssekadde by expressing love because that is what God wishes for all of us” she said. Bishop Ssekadde’s body was laid to rest at the Namirembe Diocese cemetery.

The late Bishop Samuel Balagade Ssekadde’s portrait in front of the casket.
The Prime Minister of Uganda Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja with other mourners.