Catholic church’s Latin guru Fr Edward Ssonko passes on

The Catholic Church is in shock following the death of one of its most influential priests.

The Rev Fr Dr Edward Ssonko, a celebrated classial guitarist, pianist and Latin guru, passed on yesterday (Saturday, January 23), at Kisubi Hospital, after a short illness. Ssonko, who hails from Ggoli Catholic parish, in Mpigi district, was a teacher at Kisubi Minor Seminary.

The Rector of Kisubi Seminary, Fr Francis Ssengendo confirmed the passing on of Fr Ssonko, which he referred to as a great tragedy. He said Ssonko had been well during the week, but on Friday, he felt feverish and drove himself to Kisubi Hospital, where he was given some treatment and returned to the seminary. But during the day, he started feeling feverish again and went back to hospital, where he passed on at around 8:00pm.

Paul Kiguba, an alumnus of Kisubi Seminary paid tribute to Ssonko, referring to him as one of the most interesting clerical teachers, who made seminarians enjoy life at the seminary.

“Fr Ssonko was fun. He made enjoyable our stay at Kisubi. Because of his good teaching methods, he dymistified Latin and made the subject very interesting. We shall always remember him.”

Fr Ssonko’s burial programme is yet to be released (by the authorities at Lubaga).