“With great sadness, we share the news of the passing of Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev. Samuel Balagadde Ssekadde, the fourth bishop of our diocese. May he rest in peace,” the statement from Namirembe Diocese read.
Bishop Balagadde served as the Anglican Bishop of Namirembe from 1994 until his retirement in 2009. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, reports indicate that he passed away at Kisubi Hospital after an illness.
A day before his passing, Bishop Balagadde attended a funeral in Rushere-Nyabushozi, where he was a guest at the service for the late Mrs. Norah Karakire.
According to one of the attendees, the bishop appeared in good health and expressed a heartfelt message before returning to Entebbe.
“He prayed and left looking strong and healthy. Life is truly unpredictable. May his soul rest in peace,” one mourner shared.
Following his death, many individuals, including senior citizens and members of the clergy, have shared tributes on social media.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, honored the bishop’s legacy, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the death of Rt. Rev. Samuel Balagadde Ssekadde. He leaves behind a legacy of over 50 years of faithful service to the church. My heartfelt condolences to his family, the Church of Uganda, and all believers. May his soul rest in peace.”
The Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, also expressed his sorrow, writing, “The passing of Rt. Rev. Samuel Balagadde Ssekadde, former Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, is heartbreaking. We are grateful for his years of dedicated service to God and the church. May his soul rest in peace.”
