The Evangelical Orthodox Church in Uganda and the Roman Catholic Church came together to pay heartfelt tributes to the late Reverend Father Vincent Kisenyi Byansi, lauding his significant contributions to faith and society.
Rev. Fr. Byansi passed away on December 23 at the age of 63 and was laid to rest on December 27 at his ancestral home in Namirembe Kaduunda.
His funeral was marked by a deeply emotional requiem mass led by Bishop Jacinto Kibuuka of the Evangelical Orthodox Church, with Msgr. Francis Xavier Mpanga, the Vicar General of Kasana-Luweero Diocese, representing the Roman Catholic Church.
Msgr. Mpanga conveyed condolences on behalf of Bishop Lawrence Mukasa, presenting a financial contribution of Shs2 million towards burial expenses.
He highlighted Fr. Byansi’s groundbreaking work in the church, especially his tenure as Director of Caritas, where he pioneered education initiatives and financial empowerment projects between 1998 and 2008.
Bishop Jacinto Kibuuka delivered a poignant eulogy, recalling how Fr. Byansi stood unwaveringly by his side during challenging times, including Kibuuka’s expulsion from the Roman Catholic Church.
He described Fr. Byansi as a man of justice and courage, whose dedication to truth ultimately led to his own expulsion from the church under the late Archbishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.
“Fr. Byansi was my pillar of strength during my darkest days,” Bishop Kibuuka said, struggling to hold back tears. “His unwavering support and love will forever be etched in my heart.”
Bishop Kibuuka also shared how Fr. Byansi endured betrayal and financial loss but remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to God.
“He was a hero and a man of strong character who loved deeply and stood for justice,” he added.
Msgr. Mpanga celebrated Fr. Byansi’s role in shaping the Kasana-Luweero Diocese and his extensive contributions to education and development.
Fr. Byansi was instrumental in founding St. Jude Catholic Parish and St. Jude Primary School in Kakooge, as well as numerous social empowerment initiatives.
Nakaseke Woman MP, Sarah Najjuma, urged mourners to honour Fr. Byansi’s legacy by prioritising health through regular check-ups and addressing community issues such as corruption and parental neglect.
Senior Presidential Adviser Al Hajj Abdul Nadduli condemned religious intolerance and called for unity among faith communities, emphasising the need to uphold Fr. Byansi’s values of inclusivity and compassion.
Biography of Rev. Fr. Vincent Kisenyi
Rev. Fr. Vincent Kisenyi Byansi was born on May 27, 1961, to the late John Ssenoga and Cotilda Nabyonga. He pursued an illustrious academic journey, earning degrees in philosophy, theology, and economics from prestigious institutions such as Pontificia Università Urbaniana in Rome and the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.
Fr. Byansi’s service to the church spanned decades and continents, with roles including:
- Parish Administrator in Mozambique (1991–1995)
- Director of Caritas in the Kasana-Luweero Diocese (1997–2009)
- Lecturer at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Kenya (2013)
- Director of Planning and Social Economic Development at Mamre Prayer Centre (2016–2018)
- Vicar General of the Evangelical Orthodox Church in Uganda (2017–2018)
