Ugandan President Praises Late Cleric’s Blend of Faith and Labor at Memorial Service
Kanyeganyegye, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni lauded the late Reverend Eliasaph Sserwadda as a model of holistic faith, combining spiritual guidance with practical skills, during a memorial service held Sunday in Kashari, Mbarara District. The service also celebrated the completion of a new church building in Kanyeganyegye, a project fulfilling a long-held wish of the revered cleric.
Sserwadda, who passed away last year, is remembered not only as a spiritual leader but also as a skilled metalworker, a profession he used to support his family. “He was not just a preacher of the word of God, he was also a specialist in metal works and fabrication,” Museveni said in a message delivered by Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa. “Like Jesus and Apostle Paul, Rev. Sserwadda understood the fact that people have both spiritual and physical needs.”
The President’s remarks underscored a theme of balanced living, highlighting Sserwadda’s dedication to both his priestly duties and earning a livelihood through hard work. He also commended Sserwadda and his wife, Midresi Ndungi, for raising a family grounded in Christian values.
The memorial service drew a diverse crowd, including ministers, members of parliament, senior military and police officials, and religious leaders. Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rt. Rev. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, led the prayers, urging Ugandans to embrace love over hatred, a message particularly resonant following a recent electoral season.
A deeply personal tribute came from Sserwadda’s daughter, Colonel Edith Nakalema Asizua, head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU). Nakalema spoke of her father’s unwavering faith and unconditional love, describing him as a “compass and pillar” of their family. She shared anecdotes illustrating his generosity and commitment to serving others, recalling how their home was always open to those in need.
“He taught me that leadership is not about the titles we hold—whether in the military or the government—but about the lives we touch and the souls we lead toward the light,” Nakalema said. She also revealed that her father valued integrity above all else, instilling in her the importance of a good name.
Nakalema announced the fulfillment of her father’s dream: the construction of a new church in Kanyeganyegye, funded entirely through donations from friends and family, totaling Shs1.3 billion (approximately $330,000 USD). The project, spearheaded by the Rev. Sserwadda Foundation, stands as a testament to his legacy. Nakalema has also penned a memoir, “My father and I,” dedicated to his memory.
Former Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi, preaching at the service, emphasized Sserwadda’s dedication to prayer, faithfulness, and sacrifice. He called on Ugandans to prioritize peace and reconciliation, highlighting the country’s capacity for generosity and its inherent beauty. He also noted Nakalema’s commitment to service, pointing to her choice of a partner from outside her immediate region as an example of a broad Ugandan spirit.
Bishop Michael Lubowa of the Central Buganda Diocese, who ordained Sserwadda, described him as a devoted husband, father, and minister who lived as a true witness to Christ.
The event underscores the significant role of religious leaders in Ugandan society and the enduring impact of community-driven initiatives. Uganda, a nation with a predominantly Christian population (approximately 85% according to Pew Research Center data from 2020), often sees faith-based organizations playing a crucial role in social development and nation-building. The completion of the Kanyeganyegye church exemplifies this trend, demonstrating the power of collective action and the lasting influence of a respected community figure.
