Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Ssessanga Laid to Rest, Remembered as a Courageous Hero of Faith and Ecumenism

Updated on December 12, 2025
by Admin

By Bernard Bakalu

Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Ssessanga was laid to rest on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Priestly Cemetery of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Katikamu.

Fr. Ssessanga passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Bishop Ceaser Asili Memorial Hospital in Kasana, Luweero Town Council, where he had been receiving treatment following a period of illness. He was 72 years old, having been born on July 10, 1953. At the time of his death, he was serving as a devoted priest at St. Joseph the Worker, Katikamu Parish.

Ordained at Lubaga Cathedral on August 26, 1979, Fr. Ssessanga had recently marked 46 years of dedicated priestly service.

Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Ssessanga [R.I.P].

Presidential Tributes to a Wartime hero

The burial ceremony was marked by profound tributes, including a special message from President Yoweri Museveni, delivered by Brig. Gen. Jacob Asiimwe, Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs.

President Museveni paid special tribute to the late Fr. Ssessanga for his courage and, specifically, for protecting the President’s mother, the late Esteri Kokundeka, during the turbulent years of the National Resistance Army (NRA) liberation struggle.

Brig. Gen. Asiimwe, representing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Civilian Veterans, recounted the NRA’s first encounter with Fr. Ssessanga in 1982 at Kitemamasanga near Kijaguzo Parish.

1. • Courage in Crisis: Brig. Asiimwe narrated an incident where government forces attacked the parish, attempting to abduct the religious sisters and seminarians who had taken refuge there. Fr. Ssessanga defiantly refused, telling the soldiers they would have to kill him first. “He had no gun, but he was brave,” Asiimwe stressed, adding that the priest regularly sheltered refugees fleeing violence.</P>

• Saving the First Family: When government forces attempted to arrest President Museveni’s mother, Esteri Kokundeka, and his father, the late Mzee Amos Kaguta, in September 1982, Kokundeka chose to join the struggle. Fr. Ssessanga welcomed her at Kitemamasanga, arranged for her protection, and, as the situation worsened, personally drove her to Nairobi, where she remained safe.

In recognition of these selfless actions, the Kaguta family was determined to participate in the burial.

Shedrack Nzeire Kaguta, the President’s younger brother, emphasized the family’s honor for Fr. Ssessanga, who helped their mother without any tribal prejudice, treating her “as one of their own.”

“If it wasn’t for Fr. Ssessanga, those who targeted her might have killed her. The NRA could have lost the bush war, and she would not have lived to give birth to them,” Nzeire stated.|

Nzeire urged the public to reject tribalism, noting that those who help in life are often not from one’s own tribe. He donated two Friesian cows to the bereaved family and pledged continued support. He also urged the public to avoid political violence, noting that leaders often reconcile, leaving their supporters fighting “senseless battles.”

Brig. Asiimwe described Fr. Ssessanga as a hero who earned the Nalubaale Medal. He delivered President Museveni’s condolence contribution of UGX 10 million and announced the President’s intention to meet the bereaved family. Nzeire delivered an additional UGX 17 million from the Kaguta family.

A Priest of Deep Pastoral Care and Unity

Earlier, during the Holy Mass, which was led by the Bishop of Kasana–Luweero Diocese, Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa, the late priest’s legacy of service and pastoral dedication was highlighted.

• Pastoral Care: Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, the Diocesan Vicar General, praised Bishop Mukasa for the extraordinary pastoral care extended to Fr. Ssessanga throughout his illness, noting that the Bishop even moved the priest to his residence for closer attention before his condition deteriorated.

• A Hardworking Soul: Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Wamala, Chairperson of the Kasana–Luweero Diocesan Priests’ Association (KALUDIPA), eulogized Fr. Ssessanga as a hardworking, kind, and loving priest who will be greatly missed.

• Serving All People: Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, the State Minister for Higher Education, remembered Fr. Ssessanga as a friend to all, noting that during his time in Mulajje, he served people of all religious denominations “with a smile.”

• Ecumenical Vision: Fr. Ssessanga is particularly remembered for his steadfast commitment to ecumenism and for spearheading the Joint Ecumenical Public Way of the Cross every Good Friday. This initiative—uniting Catholics of the Kasana–Luweero Diocese, Anglicans of Luweero Diocese, and the Orthodox faithful—was first introduced under the late Bishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga. Under Fr. Ssessanga’s coordination, this procession grew into a profound symbol of unity and public witness, leaving an enduring legacy within the Christian fraternity of the region.

Condolence messages were also presented from the Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, Rt. Rev. Joseph Anthony Zziwa, and the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Most Rev. Paul Ssemogerere, delivered on their behalf by Fr. Emmanuel Tamale and Msgr. Lawrence Semusu, respectively, through Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Ssekyanzi Lyevuze, the Chancellor of Kasana-Luweero Diocese.</P

Rev. Livingstone Mukama from the Anglican Diocese of Luweero and Assistant Secretary of the Luweero–Nakasongola–Nakaseke Joint Christian Council (LUNANA J.C.C.) also commended the late priest for his commendable service, including his efforts in environmental protection.

✝️ FR. SSESANGA’S PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

BURIAL OF FR. SIMON PETER SSESSANGA IN PICTURES

Bishop Lawrence Mukasa, together with several priests and other mourners, attends the burial ceremony of Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Ssessanga on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Katikamu in Luweero. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Bishop Lawrence Mukasa picks flowers to drop on the casket of Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Ssessanga during his burial on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Katikamu in Luweero as several priests and other mourners look on. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Bishop Lawrence Mukasa sprinkles holy water into the grave of Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Ssessanga as several priests and other mourners look on during the burial ceremony on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Katikamu in Luweero. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Bishop Lawrence Mukasa presides over Mass during the burial of Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Ssessanga on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Katikamu in Luweero. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Bishop L. Mukasa, joined by other priests, lays a wreath on the casket containing the remains of Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Ssessanga during the burial ceremony on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Katikamu. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Brig. Gen. Jacob Asiimwe, a Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, delivers President Museveni’s message during the burial of Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Ssessanga on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Katikamu in Luweero. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Shedrack Nzeire Kaguta, the young brother of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addresses mourners during the burial of Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Ssessanga on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Katikamu in Luweero. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Some of the faithful attend the burial ceremony of Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Ssessanga on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Katikamu in Luweero. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Some of the Kasana–Luweero Diocesan priests attend Mass during the burial of Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Ssessanga on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Katikamu in Luweero. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

State Minister for Higher Education, Dr. J. C. Muyingo (center, wearing spectacles), pays his respects alongside other faithful during the funeral service for Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Ssessanga at Katikamu, Luweero, on December 9, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.