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ARCHBISHOP PAUL BAKYENGA, A BELOVED SHEPHERD

ARCHBISHOP PAUL BAKYENGA, A BELOVED SHEPHERD

July 18, 2023 10:29 am

Mbarara, Uganda – The Ecclesiastical Province of Mbarara Archdiocese mourns the loss of His Grace Paul K. Bakyenga, Archbishop emeritus, who peacefully passed away at the age of 79. The news of his passing has left the community in profound shock and sadness.

Biography of Archbishop Paul Bakyenga
Born on June 30, 1944, in Bumbaire Village, Igara sub-county, within the Western Region of Uganda, Paul Kamuza Bakyenga’s journey in service to the Catholic Church was one marked by dedication and faith.

His educational path led him to Ibaare Primary School and later to Ibanda Preparatory Seminary. Subsequently, he pursued studies at Kitabi Seminary, where he earned his High School Diploma. While his time at Bukalasa Minor Seminary was cut short, Bishop John Baptist Kakubi recognized his potential and sent him to St Andrews College in Scotland, where he obtained a degree in Theology.

Ordained as a priest on July 11, 1971, at Mbarara Archdiocese , at the age of 27, he faithfully served in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mbarara until March 6, 1989.

His dedication and leadership were recognized when he was appointed as the Coadjutor Bishop of Mbarara on March 6, 1989. The episcopal consecration took place on June 24, 1989, at Mbarara, with the guidance of Bishop John Baptist Kakubi, assisted by Bishop Adrian Kivumbi Ddungu and Bishop Serapio Bwemi Magambo.

Following the resignation of the late Bishop John Baptist Kakubi, His Grace Paul Bakyenga assumed the role of Bishop of Mbarara on November 23, 1991. In recognition of his outstanding service, the Archdiocese of Mbarara was elevated to the status of an Archdiocese on January 2, 1999, and he became its first Archbishop.

After reaching the canonical year of retirement, His Grace Paul Bakyenga gracefully stepped down from his position on April 25, 2020. The faithful of Mbarara Archdiocese welcomed His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha as the second Archbishop to continue the important work initiated by Archbishop Bakyenga.

Throughout his years of service, Archbishop Paul Bakyenga touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on the Church and the community. His wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.



As we mourn the passing of this beloved shepherd, let us keep His Grace Paul Bakyenga in our prayers, while cherishing the legacy of his dedicated service to the Catholic Church in Mbarara. May his soul rest in eternal peace.