By KT Reporter
President Yoweri Museveni has paid special tribute to the late Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Ssessanga, recognizing him for protecting his mother, Esteri Kokundeka, during the difficult years of the National Resistance Army (NRA) liberation struggle.
Delivering the President’s message at St. Joseph the Worker, Katikamu Parish in Kasana–Luweero Diocese, Brig. Gen. Jacob Asiimwe—Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and representative of the NRM Civilian Veterans—said the NRA first met Fr. Ssessanga in 1982 at Kitemamasanga near Kijaguzo Parish.
Brig. Asiimwe praised Fr. Ssessanga’s courage, recalling an incident when government forces attacked the parish and tried to abduct nuns taking refuge there. Fr. Ssessanga refused to let them be taken, telling the soldiers they would have to kill him first. Although Gen. Salim Saleh had been deployed to rescue them, Fr. Ssessanga was the first to intervene—unarmed but brave.
He also sheltered many people fleeing violence. In September 1982, when security forces attempted to arrest Museveni’s mother and father, Kokundeka chose to join the struggle. When she reached Kitemamasanga, Fr. Ssessanga received her and ensured her safety, later driving her to Nairobi where she remained secure. Asiimwe said this is why the Kaguta family was determined to take part in his burial.
Shedrack Nzeire Kaguta, the President’s younger brother, said the family had to honor Fr. Ssessanga for helping their mother without tribal bias. He stressed that although she was not a Muganda, the priest treated her like one of his own. According to him, without Fr. Ssessanga’s intervention, Kokundeka might have been killed, and the NRA’s liberation effort could also have been derailed.
He said the family attended the burial to express gratitude, adding that tribalism should be rejected because help often comes from outside one’s tribe. Nzeire donated two Friesian cows to the family and pledged continued support. He also cautioned the public against political violence, noting that politicians later reconcile and dine together, while their supporters suffer the consequences.
Brig. Asiimwe described Fr. Ssessanga as a hero who earned the Nalubaale Medal. He delivered the President’s condolence contribution of UGX 10 million and said President Museveni intends to meet the family. Nzeire also handed over UGX 17 million on behalf of the Kaguta family.
During the Holy Mass led by Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa, Bishop of Kasana–Luweero Diocese, the Vicar General, Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, thanked the bishop for the pastoral care he offered Fr. Ssessanga during his illness. He noted that the bishop even moved the priest to his residence to ensure closer medical attention.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Wamala, Chairperson of KALUDIPA, remembered Fr. Ssessanga as hardworking, kind, and loving.
Rev. Livingstone Mukama from the Anglican Diocese of Luweero and Assistant Secretary of the LUNANA Joint Christian Council also praised him for his service, including his strong stance on environmental protection.
Fr. Ssessanga, who served as Secretary General of LUNANA J.C.C., was laid to rest at the Priestly Cemetery at Katikamu Parish. He died on Monday morning at Bishop Ceaser Asili Memorial Hospital after weeks of illness. He was 72 years old, born on July 10, 1953. At the time of his passing, he was serving at St. Joseph the Worker, Katikamu Parish. Ordained on August 26, 1979, at Lubaga Cathedral, he had recently marked 46 years of priestly ministry.
He is widely remembered for championing ecumenism. He led the Joint Ecumenical Public Way of the Cross every Good Friday, bringing together Catholics, Anglicans, and Orthodox Christians—a tradition first introduced by the late Archbishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga. Under Fr. Ssessanga, it grew into a strong symbol of unity and shared faith.
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