Col Edith Nakalema, head of the Statehouse Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), has revealed that she, alongside family and friends, is constructing a church in memory of her late father, Rev. Eliasaph Sserwadda, who passed away on February 8, 2024.
Under the Sserwadda Foundation, which has more than a dozen members, the team is building a Shs 1.3 billion church at All Saints Kankyeganyegye in Iashari South, Mbarara District.
“My father gave me an instruction on Tarehe Sita of 2024 to construct a new church with the help of my friends. It was not just a request; it was an instruction,” Nakalema said.
She recalled that she informed her siblings about the plan, to which her father replied, “You and your friends will build this church. I will not start looking for people,” and passed away a day later.
Nakalema emphasized that no fundraising has taken place for the church’s construction and none is planned, citing the foundation’s resources and commitment. The project is already about 87% complete.
“We have called you to tell you about his desire and which we are fulfilling. My father never wanted to beg or ask for what was beyond his means,” she said.
The foundation began work on the church on the day of Rev. Sserwadda’s burial. Nakalema said, “As Sserwadda’s children, ours is to offer ourselves to serve God. We saw our father serve God at the lowest rank, and he was quickly lifted. This church will be built by children of God.”
In addition, Nakalema has authored a book titled My Father and I: The Power of Fatherhood, highlighting that true parenting is measured not by money but by love, time, and physical presence.
“Friends, it is not money but the physical touch, time, and love you give your children. The President is writing its foreword,” she said.
Justice Andrew Khaukha, chairperson of the Sserwadda Foundation, noted the church’s progress: “We raised Shs 680 million in one evening. The project is Shs 1.3 billion, and the teamwork has been outstanding. We actually began in Central Buganda, building the bishop’s house, which is now at the roofing stage.”
Central Buganda Bishop Michael Lubowa, who ordained Rev. Sserwadda despite his retirement as a lay reader, has been involved in the project. Nakalema also thanked the late Kanjabi family for donating the land on which the church is being built.
“I thank Mr. Benon Mbaine and Coleb Musinguzi Kanjabi from the Kanjabi family for donating the land. Without them, we wouldn’t have this magnificent church,” Nakalema said.
Benon Mbaine Kanjabi recalled, “In 2008, we were in a makeshift church. Rev. Sserwadda asked me to donate a small piece of prime land on Tamarc. It wasn’t easy at the time, but I offered the land. He helped me because even if the boys sold other land, this church land cannot be sold. We are proud of Rev. Sserwadda. May God rest his soul in peace.”
Rev. Eliasaph Sserwadda died on February 8, 2024, at the age of 75, after over 45 years of service as a lay reader.
