By Peter Ssebilime
Kalungu: Bishop Emeritus of Moroto Diocese in North Eastern part of Uganda Henry Ssentongo has been laid to rest at Bukalasa minor seminary during a sombre ceremony that was a characterized with only words of appreciation for his extraordinary life and service to the Catholic Church and Uganda at large.
His successor Rt. Rev Bishop Damiano Giulio Guzzetti, in his homily, revealed to the mourners at the last requiem mass, that Bishop Ssentongo has lived a simple life, God fearing, loving and welcoming all people of good virtues, which every Ugandan ought to emulate.
The Bishop of Masaka Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba in his speech said he was more grieved to see a man of God who admitted him to Bukalasa and later ordained him a priest, lying lifeless.
The Bishop Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference Rt. Rev. Joseph Anthony Zziwa, also emulated a number of virtues and said the late lived as an extraordinary person on earth.
The Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi on behalf of the government, said that “Much as the country mourns the demise of Bishop Ssetongo his life is being celebrated for his achievements.”
Among other mourners were bishops; John Baptist Kaggwa, Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo of Tororo, Bishop Joseph Echil of Soroti, Bishop Paul Ssemwogerere of Kasana Luweero, Bishop Matia Ssekamaanya, Bishop Egidio Nkajanabwo, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, members of parliament among others.
The area Member of Parliament Kalungu West where burial took place, Joseph Ssewungu, laughed at officials in the ruling party including the vice president Edward Ssekandi who represented government, who he urged to pick a leaf from the catholic order that once one clocks 75 years, he steps down, because that’s retirement age.
