The family of the late former Namirembe Bishop Samuel Balagadde Ssekadde has commended Rev. Canon Prof. Gideon Byamugisha for upholding and extending the bishop’s legacy through acts of love, patience, and unwavering support for those in need—values that defined the late prelate’s ministry.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service at Bishop Samuel’s Chapel in Katooke, Nansana Municipality, Bishop Ssekadde’s widow, Allen Ssekadde, called on Christians to emulate Rev. Canon Byamugisha, noting that he had deliberately walked in the footsteps of the late bishop, including spearheading the construction of the chapel in his memory.
“Very many people have passed through our hands as a family; however, many have never come back to say thank you. But Byamugisha is a different person. He has always been appreciative of all our endeavours. I call upon everyone to always look back and appreciate those who gave them a helping hand,” Allen Ssekadde said.
Family members recounted the long-standing relationship between Rev. Canon Byamugisha and the Ssekadde household, especially during the early years when he battled AIDS at a time when medication was scarce and stigma was rampant.
One family member recalled how Bishop Ssekadde and his family sheltered, supported, and cared for Byamugisha, enabling him to regain strength and continue his ministry.
“During the 90s, people with AIDS went through untold grief—limited medication and stigma even from family members. I remember one night when Byamugisha’s health deteriorated, and Bishop Ssekadde rushed him in his car as I held him in the back seat to Mengo Hospital. To our surprise, when he regained some energy, he went straight back to preaching against stigma and HIV-related issues, helping change people’s perceptions,” she narrated.
Rev. Canon Prof. Byamugisha—the first religious leader in Africa to publicly disclose his HIV-positive status—expressed deep gratitude to the Ssekadde family for caring for him during what he called the darkest moments of his life.
“Their love and care extended my days, and I have merely continued extending the same love to others so they may live better lives,” Byamugisha said.
He encouraged the public to emulate the compassion shown by the Friends of Canon Gideon, the support network that stood with him during his “social crucifixion,” helping him survive and thrive.
Rev. Canon Prof. Byamugisha reaffirmed that achieving the 2030 HIV-response goals requires addressing several key challenges. He emphasized the need to increase voluntary HIV testing so that more people know their status, to fight stigma within families and communities, to ensure consistent access to proper medication, and to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
“Many people fall prey to new infections because economic challenges push them into risky situations, including exchanging sex for financial help or employment. Sensitizing the young generation and strengthening economic opportunities is crucial,” he said.