Katikiro calls for prudence on roads, church mourns Fr. Mudduse

Calls on motorists to exercise utmost sobriety on roads dominated the message at the funeral of Fr. Lawrence Yawe Mudduse, which took place at Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral on Wednesday (November 29 2023). 

Mudduse, 52, died on Sunday (November 26), following a motor crash at Beekiina on the Kiboga-Hoima Road. He was a newly-elected curate at the new parish of Lwebisiriiza, in Kyankwanzi district.

Among the hundreds of grim-faced mourners who buried Mudduse is the Katikiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, who called on Ugandan motorists to be even more prudent. 

Officials from the Buganda Kingdom led by Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga (right) laying a wreath on Fr. Mudduse's casket during the requiem mass at Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. Photos by Mathias Mazinga

He attributed the rampant road accidents to the failure of motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations. He thus advised all road users to ensure that they strictly observe the respective traffic requirements.

“Don’t drink and drive. Don’t use vehicles in dangerous mechanical conditions. You should also avoid speeding. Many Ugandans die from motor accidents but we don’t get to know about them," he said.  

Fr. Mudduse was a great clerical lecturer with rare wisdom and knowledge of African traditional culture and norms, in particular the Ganda ethos. 

He further marvelled at Mudduse’s incredible ability to interpret the Holy Scriptures in relation to African norms and traditions, and also his ability to offer effective tips on how the small contradictions between the two can be harmonised.

Catholic Prelates: Lawrence Mukasa of Kasana-Luweero diocese (wearing a white mitre) and Prof. Joseph Antony Zziwa of Kiyinda-Mityana (right) placing a wreath on the casket of Fr. Mudduse.

Mayiga praised Mudduse for what he described as amazing communication skills, which he always exhibited flamboyantly through his homilies, authorship and academic research publications. 

He mentioned among other books The Strength of Meekness (a book about Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala) as one of Mudduse’s masterpieces that are revered locally and internationally.

During mass, the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana, the Rt. Rev. Prof. Joseph Antony Zziwa also praised Fr. Mudduse for his flowery sacerdotal ministry. 

He said Mudduse has left a good record of sacerdotal commitment in the various parishes where he has served, both in Uganda and the US, and also at St. Paul’s National Seminary Kinyamasika (in Fort Portal), where he spent 10 years training future ministers of the Church.

Mudduse was also praised by his former teacher and hitherto parish priest, the Rev. Fr. John Chrysostom Kyazze, who spoke highly of his wonderful sacerdotal disposition and deep sense of ministry. 

Kyazze also marvelled at Mudduse’s commitment to children and other vulnerable people, particularly the sick, the elderly, the oppressed and the repressed.

The MP for Mityana Municipality, Francis Zaake described Fr. Mudduse as a defender of land rights who never stopped the fight against land grabbing in Mityana even when the land grabbers threatened him with imprisonment.

Unaccomplished Business

Prior to his death on Sunday, Fr. Mudduse had just been transferred from Buyambi parish to Lwebisiriiza parish (in Kyankwazi district). 

He had spent there just 52 days, which corresponds perfectly with his age (52 years). 

According to Fr. Kyazze (the parish-priest), Mudduse preached only one homily in the parish-church of Lwebisiriiza, which nonetheless left an incredible impact on the Christians. 

He had also finished arrangements to go to the US for his annual leave.