The passing of Bishop Emeritus Samuel Balagadde Ssekadde has left a profound emptiness in the hearts of many. A man who dedicated his life to the service of God, he shepherded the Anglican Diocese of Namirembe with grace and humility from 1994 to 2009. He was more than just a bishop; he was a father, a mentor, and a steadfast pillar of faith, whose heart overflowed with compassion for all those he encountered.
Bishop Ssekadde departed from this world on Tuesday night at Kisubi Hospital after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of love and service that touched countless lives. He was in his 80s, an age that speaks not only to his wisdom but also to the richness of a life lived in devotion to God and humanity. His death is an indescribable loss, not just for the Anglican Church but for all who knew him and were blessed by his presence.
The church, together with the Namirembe Diocese Fathers Union, confirmed his passing, though they have not yet disclosed the exact cause. What we do know is that the last days of Bishop Ssekadde were as profound as his entire life. His final public appearance was at the burial of Mrs. Norah Karakire in Rushere-Nyabushozi, where he delivered a heartfelt tribute. With the warmth of a man secure in his faith, he shared: “It is wise to be in Christ so that when we die, we die in Him.”
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). Indeed, even in his last days, he sought to bring comfort to those around him, drawing people closer to Christ. His words at the funeral were filled with deep spiritual insight, as he encouraged those present to embrace a life in Christ. He reminded them of the inevitable journey we must all take, but with Christ, even in death, there is life.
At the funeral, he spoke words that now echo in the hearts of all who heard him: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). His strength and vitality at the funeral left no one suspecting that these would be his final words in public. As a mourner later recalled, “He was so sound, so strong, and so healthy. How can this be? Life truly is vanity.” Bishop Ssekadde left the funeral with prayers, perhaps knowing that his own journey home was soon to come.
Bishop Ssekadde’s journey in faith began long before he took up his role as bishop. He was a faithful servant, dedicated to spreading the Gospel, offering hope, and healing broken hearts. His influence reached far beyond the confines of Namirembe, as he touched the lives of people across Uganda and beyond.
As we mourn his passing, we hold on to his teachings and the example he set for all of us. His unwavering faith reminds us of Romans 14:8: “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Bishop Ssekadde lived this truth every day, and it is in this knowledge that we take comfort today.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. May his legacy of love, faith, and hope continue to shine, guiding us as we navigate the trials of life, knowing that we, too, will one day follow the path to our heavenly home.
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