Yesterday, 21 September, the Uganda Orthodox Church delegation led by Metropolitan Makarios of Nairobi and caretaker of the Holy Metropolis of Kampala, together with Bishop Silvester of Gulu and Eastern Uganda, attended Parliament as the legislature paid tribute to the late Metropolitan Jonah Lwanga.
The motion to pay tribute to the Metropolitan was tabled by the third deputy prime minister and minister without portfolio, Hon. Lukia Isanga Nakadama, who also triples as the woman member of parliament for Mayuge district.
The motion was approved by the speaker, Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah without any opposition and was open for discussion after the biography of the late Archbishop was read by the mover of the motion.
The speaker also recognized the presence of Rev Fr Dr. Peter Matovu who lectured him at Makerere University. Every member who got to the floor eulogized the late as a man who loved to see dignity for every human being.
He was a man of great audacity who spoke the truth without minding about the repercussions. He was an advocate for the rule of law and national dialogue plus peaceful change of power in the country. Hon. Robert Ssekitoleko of Bamunanika constituency, where the late was born praised the late for championing the construction of schools and health facilities in his constituency.
The Rubaga North legislator, Hon Abubaker Kawalya thanked the late for his contribution towards the development of his constituency. He singled out the existence of the Orthodox church mission hospital, the give-away of land by the metropolis to KCCA for construction of Nakibinge and Namungoona roads, plus land on which Namungoona police station sits.
Honorable members from Northern Uganda praised him for his contribution towards the restoration of peace in their region during the early 2000s.
Hon. Theodore Ssekikubo, one of the only two Orthodox parliamentarians (the other is Hon Hellen Nakimuli), urged the members to emulate the man of God with a high rank who lived a life full of humility. “Despite having the capacity to attain expensive things, he had an old model of Landcruiser vehicle, two pairs of shoes..He was too humble”, the Lwemiyaga county MP submitted.
Ssekikubo also decried the act of land grabbers who started constructing at the church land at Lubya hill as soon as they heard about the demise of its defender. He, therefore, asked the government to intervene as soon as possible.
Hon. Hellen Nakimuli, the woman representative for Kalangala district also asked the house to imitate the late. “I have sixty pairs of shoes but by the end of this month, I will be having at most forty. I will give out some of them to those who don’t have.”, the daughter to Rev. Fr Christopher Walusimbi revealed.
Other members who lauded the great man of God included the vice president, Her Excellency Hon. Jessica Alupo who was the chief mourner on Monday, the leader of opposition, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga, NUP spokesperson, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, FDC spokesperson, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Hon. Gonzanga Ssewungu of Kalungu West, Hon. Betty Naluyima the Wakiso district woman representative, state minister for finance and planning, Hon. David Bahati, minister for ICT Hon Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, and so on.
The delegation included Reverand fathers, sisters, novices, and the laity plus members of the family of the late Metropolitan.
Memory Eternaly Spiritual Father and guide. I pray to strengthen all of us in the Faith as strong but Outright Christians as indicated in your preaching. I will always miss you and will continue praying for you.