The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, has said the legacy of the late Besweri Kaddu—father of the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu—continues to live on through the children he raised and the values he instilled in them.
Born on August 1, 1933, as the third born of Lay Reader Simeon Kaziimba in Kiwangala Village, Najja Sub-County, Buikwe District, the late Kaddu passed away on Tuesday at Mengo Hospital.
He was 92.
Speaking as the Cheif Mourner during Kaddu’s burial in Gulama, Najja Sub-County, Buikwe District on Friday, Tayebwa thanked Archbishop Kaziimba for his tireless efforts in strengthening the Church and for championing development initiatives that continue to uplift communities out of poverty.
“When one nurtures and grooms a child who rises to serve as Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, it is a clear testament to a duty faithfully fulfilled,” he said.
His remarks were echoed by First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, who, in a message delivered by the Deputy Inspector General of Government, Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, acknowledged the vital role fathers continue to play in their children’s lives even into adulthood, noting that Kaddu’s death is a deep loss. She also conveyed her condolences and offered Shs 10 million in support.
Quoting Colossians 3:23-24 in his sermon, the Bishop of Bukedi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel George Bogere Egesa, hailed the late Kaddu as a man who, despite his advanced age, remained hardworking, did things well, and managed his time effectively.
“Let us do things well, use our time well, sit well, speak well, decide well, elect well, and promote unity. I gave my life to Christ at 23, and I can confidently say the climax of living well is giving your life to Christ,” he said.
Referencing Ecclesiastes 9:5, Bishop Egesa told mourners that they should live well because death is real and that all of us must die.
“Life is temporary—short and full of trouble, trials, and sorrows. The bible describes life as a shadow, clay, or a tent: brief and fragile. We are merely visitors just like our forefathers were and should therefore live our lives well,” he said.
Representing the Church of Uganda, the Dean of the Province and Bishop of Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, thanked God for the life of the late Kaddu and called upon the Archbishop to remain strong despite the loss of his father.
In a message read by Mukono Diocesan Secretary, Rev. John Musoke, Bishop Enos Kitto Kagodo commended the deceased for raising his children well and urged parents to instill good morals in theirs.
On behalf of the grandchildren, Rev. Moses Kisakye Mugalu expressed appreciation to his father, Archbishop Kaziimba, for ably caring for the late Kaddu in his final moments.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Archbishop Kaziimba called for unity and love despite political and religious divides. He also expressed concern over rising healthcare costs, calling upon the government to allocate funds to a National Health Insurance for citizens.
In response to this, Tayebwa said: “As the government and as Parliament, we recognise the urgency of this matter and will ensure the necessary steps are taken when the bill is presented. There are ongoing discussions over this issue.”
The Mpindi Clan, in a message from Omutaka Katangaaza Mazige read by Clan Premier Dr. C.T. Mukasa Lusambu, hailed the deceased for raising children who including Archbishop Kaziimba, are credited with building visible Church projects and advancing God’s ministry.
Ronald Ssebaduka was presented to succeed Besweri Kaddu as family head.
The Retired Bishop of Central Buganda, Rt. Rev. Jackson Matovu, prayed for him, handed him a Bible, and urged him to be vigilant and lead his family in Scripture.
The clan further announced that the cultural celebrations to officially install Ssebaduka as family head will take place in August.
The burial was attended by numerous religious leaders from various denominations, cultural leaders, politicians and officials from both the central government and the Buganda Kingdom.