By Kabuye Ronald
The Evangelical Orthodox Church in Uganda and the Roman Catholic Church came together to eulogize the late Reverend Father Vincent Kisenyi Byansi, a man whose contributions to both the church and society left an indelible mark. Father Byansi, who passed away on December 23, 2024, at the age of 63 due to complications related to heart failure, diabetes, and hypertension, was laid to rest on December 27, 2024, at his ancestral home in Namirembe Kaduunda.
The funeral service was marked by an emotional requiem mass led by Bishop Jacinto Kibuuka of the Evangelical Orthodox Church, who was joined by Msgr. Francis Xavier Mpanga, the Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Church in the Kasana Luwero Diocese. Msgr. Mpanga delivered condolences on behalf of Bishop Lawrence Mukasa, offering a financial contribution of two million Ugandan shillings to support the burial expenses.
Bishop Kibuuka, who struggled to contain his emotions during the eulogy, recalled how Father Byansi had stood by him during his own difficult period of expulsion from the Roman Catholic Church. The Bishop shared how Father Byansi was a constant source of support, even in the face of false allegations, and how his courage and commitment to justice had never wavered which also later landed him an expulsion from Roman Catholic Church by the late the Kampala archdiocese Archbishop the late Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.
In his tribute, Msgr. Mpanga highlighted Father Byansi’s immense impact on the Roman Catholic Church, particularly his pioneering role in education and the establishment of financial empowerment projects during his tenure as Director of Caritas from 1998 to 2008. He also recognized Father Byansi’s involvement in the early stages of developing the Kasana Luwero Diocese.
Bishop Jacinto Kibuuka shared that, despite Father Byansi’s personal struggles, including betrayal and the loss of his wealth, he never wavered in his faith or his commitment to truth and to God.
“I can never forget how Father Byansi stood with me when I was being wrongfully accused and imprisoned,” said Bishop Kibuuka. “He was always there for me, even when my life was in danger. What hurts the most is that while he fought to save me, I couldn’t do enough to save him i wish i was nearer to him.”
In his emotional eulogy, Bishop Kibuuka described Father Byansi as a “hero,” a “man of strong character” who stood for justice, loved genuinely, and fought for the oppressed. He described him as a revolutionist and a strategic person who was always guided by his faith and devotion to God.
The funeral service also included remarks by Nakaseke Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Sarah Najjuma, who urged mourners to prioritize their health, particularly by getting regular check-ups for conditions like diabetes and hypertension. She condemned the corruption and mistrust that often plague communities, while calling on parents to fulfill their responsibilities to their children.
Al Hajj Abdul Nadduli a Senior Presidential Adviser on matters of politics and mobilization condemned the religious intolerance amongst some religious leaders thus calling for unity in diversity.
The late Father Byansi’s family expressed deep gratitude to Bishop Kibuuka for his constant support and thanked all those who had contributed to Father Byansi’s life and legacy. Despite the challenges he faced, Father Byansi’s life was a testament to perseverance, faith, and service to the greater good. His memory will remain a guiding light to all who knew him.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
BORN: 27TH MAY, 1961
PARENTS: LATE TEACHER SSENNOGA JOHN B. AND LATE NABYONGA CORTILDA
STUDIED: – KADDUNDA HOLY SPIRIT NDEJJE SECONDARY SCHOOL
- Diploma in Philosophy, St. Mbaaga’s Major Seminary, Ggaba, UGANDA (1983 – 1989)
- BA in Theology, Pontificia Universita Urbaniana, Rome, ITALY (1989 – 1992)
- MA in Development Studies, Uganda Martyrs University, UGANDA (1997 – 1998)
- MSc (Economics) in Accounting and Finance, University of Aberdeen, (Scotland) UK (2010 – 2011) MBA – New Markets & Europe, Universitá Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Milano, ITALY (2009 – 2010)
ORDAINED:- IN MOZAMBIQUE IN 1991.
SERVED AS: –
Parish Administrator “Nossa Senhora de Livramento – Influne T-3”, Maputo, MOZAMBIQUE: (1991 – 1995)
Secretary General to Mozambican Episcopal Commission for Migrants, Refugees and Displaced People, MOZAMBIQUE: (1991 – 1995)
Chaplain Nkozi Hospital and Out Reach Activities and Assistant Parish Priest Nkozi Parish, UGANDA: (1995 – 1996)
Parish Priest and Founding Father of St. Jude Catholic Parish and St. Jude Primary School Kakooge, UGANDA: (1997 – 2000) Nnwanye bulungi, maliriza olugendo lwange, nkuumye okukiriza kwange… (2Tim. 4:7-8) 15
Chief Executive Director, Office of Social Services, Development & Peace (CARITAS), KASANA-Luweero Diocese, UGANDA: (September 1997 up to March 2009)
Assistant Cathedral Administrator and Parish Administrator of St. Mary’s Blairs Parish in R.C. Diocese, Aberdeen, SCOTLAND, UK: (November 2011 up to May 2013)
Project Development Consultant, AMECEA Pastoral Institute (API)
– The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Eldoret Campus, KENYA: (June 2013 up to December 2013)
Lecturer at The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Eldoret Campus, KENYA: (June 2013 up to December 2013)
Chief Executive Officer KATUKA Development Trust Ltd (KDTL) and KATUKA Coffee Company (Sept. 2014 to Aug 2016)
Director, Caritas Justice & Peace, Archdiocese of Kampala, (Sept. 2014 up to 30th Aug. 2016)
Director of Planning and Social Economic Development for Mamre Prayer Centre (September 2016 up to 2018)
National Project Director and Fund Raiser for The Evangelical Orthodox Catholic Church in Uganda (April 2017 up to 2018)
Vicar general, Evangelical Orthodox Church in Uganda (2017 to 2018)
