By Spy Uganda
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the late Rev. Eliasaph Sserwadda for exemplifying a rare blend of deep Christian faith and practical hard work, describing him as a man who understood both the spiritual and physical needs of society.
Rev. Sserwadda, who passed away last year, was the father of Col. Edith Nakalema Asizua, the Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU). The President’s message was delivered by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, during a memorial service and thanksgiving ceremony held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Kanyeganyegye, Kashari in Mbarara District, to honour the late cleric and celebrate the construction of a new church.
“He was not just a preacher of the Word of God; he was also a specialist in metal works and fabrication. This was his omwooga that enabled him to earn an income and cater for the needs of his family,” President Museveni said.
Drawing parallels with biblical figures such as Jesus Christ and Apostle Paul, the President noted that Rev. Sserwadda clearly understood that people require both spiritual nourishment and economic empowerment.
“Besides his priestly duties, he also worked hard with his hands to earn a living,” he added.
President Museveni also commended Rev. Sserwadda and his wife, Midresi Ndungi, for raising a disciplined and God-fearing family, anchored on strong Christian values.
“Parents and guardians are the first teachers. Children learn more from what their parents do and say. That is why the family unit remains the foundation of a stable and productive society,” the President said.
He further observed that the virtues of devotion, integrity, selflessness and service that defined Rev. Sserwadda’s life are clearly reflected in his daughter, Col. Nakalema.
“This is what has enabled her to make a patriotic contribution to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and public service. I also thank her siblings, who are equally serving the country commendably,” Museveni stated.
The President concluded by thanking God for the life and legacy of Rev. Sserwadda, saying his commitment to serving God and the Church will continue to inspire generations.
Although he is no longer physically present, his legacy, the President said, remains alive through his works and the lives he touched.
Prayers during the memorial service were led by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, who urged Ugandans to promote love, unity and reconciliation, especially after a tense electoral period.
Speaking emotionally, Col. Nakalema said the family had chosen to mark the day with gratitude rather than mourning, a year after laying their father to rest in the hills of Kashari.
“Time does not heal all wounds; it only teaches us how to carry the weight of great loss. Today, we celebrate a man who was the compass and pillar of our family,” she said.
She described her late father as a loving provider, a mentor and a servant leader who lived the gospel daily, not just from the pulpit.
“Our home was always open. Whether it was a neighbour seeking counsel or a stranger in need, my father treated everyone with Christian grace,” she recalled.
Col. Nakalema noted that her father taught her that leadership is not about titles, whether in the military or government, but about service and impact. She added that his integrity and commitment to truth shaped her own values, describing him as her biggest cheerleader and moral anchor.
She also revealed that Rev. Sserwadda’s long-held dream of building a new church at Kanyeganyegye has been realised through the Rev. Sserwadda Foundation, established by family and friends in his memory.
Although he did not live to see the dream fulfilled, she said, the nearly completed Shs1.3 billion church stands as a symbol of faith, unity and continuity. The project, she emphasized, was funded entirely by friends of the Sserwadda family.
Former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rt. Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, who preached during the service, called on believers to emulate the late Rev. Sserwadda’s love, obedience and faithfulness.
“We are celebrating a life that bore fruit. Whoever loves God will never perish,” Archbishop Orombi said, while also calling for peace, reconciliation and national unity.
The Anglican Bishop of Central Buganda Diocese, Rt. Rev. Michael Lubowa, who ordained Rev. Sserwadda, described him as a true witness of Christ, a devoted husband, a loving father and a committed servant of the Church.
“He was eager to learn, generous and disciplined. I am glad to see his dreams being fulfilled through his children,” Bishop Lubowa said.
The memorial service was attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior army and police officers, religious leaders and other dignitaries, all united in celebrating a life of faith, service and enduring legacy.
