Paul Kamuza Bakyenga, the Archbishop Emeritus of Mbarara has passed away at 79- years of age. The news of his demise was confirmed by Rev Fr Charles Mutabaruka, the communications director of the Mbarara Archdiocese. Archbishop Bakyenga passed away this morning at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala, where he had gone for his regular check-ups. Fr Mutabaruka noted that further details regarding the prelate’s passing will be shared at a later time.
Archbishop Bakyenga was born in Bumbaire, Igara, Bushenyi district in 1944. He dedicated his life to a distinguished career in the clergy, serving as a priest for 52 years and as a bishop for 34 years. He was ordained as a priest in Mbarara in 1971 at the age of 27. Later, at the age of 44, he was appointed the Coadjutor Bishop of Mbarara, positioning him to succeed Bishop John Baptist Kakubi.
He was ordained a priest on July 11, 1971 at Mushenga parish at the age of 27. Eighteen years later, 45-year-old Bakyenga was appointed bishop.
He has also served as Chaplain of Ntare School in Mbarara, Rector of Kitabi Seminary, and Rector of Ggaba National Seminary from 1985 to 1989, when he was appointed bishop. On January 2, 1999, Pope John Paul II appointed Bakyenga archbishop at the age of 55.
In 1991, when Bishop Kakubi resigned at the age of 61, Archbishop Bakyenga assumed the role of Bishop of Mbarara. Under his leadership, the Mbarara Diocese was elevated to an archdiocese in 1999, and he became its first Archbishop. He was responsible for overseeing the Western ecclesiastical province, which covers the dioceses of Hoima, Fort Portal, Kasese, and Kabale.
Throughout his tenure, Archbishop Bakyenga provided spiritual guidance and pastoral care to the faithful in the region. His unwavering dedication and commitment to his religious duties have left a profound impact on the community. Archbishop Bakyenga retired from his position in 2020 after serving the church and the people with unwavering devotion for several decades. He was succeeded by Lambert Bainomugisha.