Residents of Luweero District and the family of President Museveni on Tuesday paid tribute to Rev Fr Simon Peter Ssesanga, a priest credited with saving the veteran Ugandan leader’s mother during the early years of the NRA liberation struggle.
Fr Ssesanga, who passed away at the age of 72 on December 8, 2025, at Bishop Asili Memorial Hospital, had served the greater Luweero area under Kasana Luweero Diocese for decades, leaving behind a legacy of ecumenism, humanitarian work, and community service.
While many remember him for leading annual Way of the Cross processions and promoting unity among Christians through the Luweero, Nakaseke and Nakasongola Joint Christian Council (LUNANA), the Museveni family emphasized his heroic role in 1982.
‘When the government soldiers attacked the Parish at Kijaguzo and wanted to take away the Nuns at the parish, Fr Ssesanga, though not armed, resisted the demands from the soldiers. He was later boosted by a quick response from the NRA reinforcement that forced the armed soldiers to disperse,’ said Brig Jacob Asiimwe, Presidential Advisor for Political and Civilian Affairs, delivering Museveni’s condolence message.
Fr Ssesanga had sheltered war-displaced families at Kijaguzo Parish, Nakaseke District, including President Museveni’s mother, Esteri Kokundeka (RIP).
He arranged for her safe passage to Kenya’s capital, after her life was threatened during the conflict.
‘Fr Ssesanga offered to drive Kokundeka to Nairobi to save her life that was already in danger,’ Brig Asiimwe added.
Born on July 7, 1953, in Kirowoza Village, Namilyango Parish, Buikwe District, Fr Ssesanga was ordained in 1979 and served across multiple parishes, including Bbina, Buvuma Island, Nagalama, Bukerere, Kijaguzo, and Nandere before dedicating the latter part of his ministry to Kasana Luweero Diocese.
Bishop Lawrence Mukasa, principal celebrant at St Joseph Parish Church, lauded his unwavering commitment to God and humanity.
Messages from the Anglican and Catholic dioceses stressed his role in fostering justice, peace, and environmental conservation.
‘He walked the talk as a conservationist. Even when we felt that Fr Ssesanga was growing weak, he was quick to ask God for strength and encouraged everybody to serve God and humanity without discrimination,’ said Joseph Lwevuze, a Catechist and farmer.
State Minister for Education Dr John C Muyingo, who knew Fr Ssesanga as his parish priest at Mulajje Parish, recalled the priest’s guidance and support in both spiritual and civic matters saying: ‘He was focused on development issues and always worked for fairness as he served God and humanity.’
Fr Ssesanga is survived by a legacy of 46 years of priesthood, marked by service to war-affected communities, environmental conservation, and ecumenical engagement in northern and central Uganda.
He was laid to rest on December 9, 2025 at the St Joseph Parish Church cemetery in Katikamu, Kasana Luweero Diocese.