Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu Pays Condolence Visit to the Family of the Late Maj. Babumba Henry

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, paid a heartfelt visit to the family of the late Rtd. Maj. Babumba Henry Bwohe, a retired Uganda People's Defense Air Force (UPDF) senior pilot and ground flight instructor, who passed away on 23rd December, 2025 at Nakasero hospital 

The Saturday visit, held at Ndejje–Lubugumu Ebb Road, was a private moment of prayer, comfort, guidance and reflection in memory of the veteran pilot, freedom fighter and nationalist whose life was marked by dedicated service to the nation and commitment to humanity.

Archbishop Kaziimba was accompanied by the Secretary General of the Uganda Interreligious Counsel Mr. Joshua Kitakule, and the Chaplain, Rev. Kansiime. Also in attendance were Rtd. Lt Col. Kato Damieno, Mr. Kamugisha Linton from the National Operations of Human Rights Defenders, as well as the family members of the late Maj. Babumba Henry Bwohe.

During his address, the Archbishop commended the family for the love, care, and support they gave to the deceased throughout his life and especially during his final days. He also expressed appreciation to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the financial assistance and consistent follow-up extended to the late Maj. Babumba

Quoting Ecclesiastes chapter 3, Archbishop Kaziimba encouraged the family to thank God for the time He granted the late Maj. Babumba on earth, noting that his life was meaningful and impactful both within and beyond Uganda.

“This world is not our home, it is just a transit where God calls us to live for sometime,” he said, as he sang a verse from the song “This World Is Not Our Home” by James Reeves.

The Archbishop also reflected on the issue of national health insurance, which the late Maj. Babumba had raised several times with Lt. Moses Mugisha Magufuri. Although the late Maj. Babumba was among the few who accessed medical care through the State House, he strongly believed that all Ugandans deserved access to a comprehensive national health insurance scheme, as well as aspects like patient capital to support agro-industrialisation.

Archbishop Kaziimba revealed that religious leaders have repeatedly engaged His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on two critical national concerns: the establishment of national health insurance for all Ugandans and the need for sustained national dialogue. He noted that many grievances, ranging from poverty and unemployment among youth, to access to healthcare, could be quickly resolved through better communication and understanding between leadership and citizens.

“We need to reflect on why nearly ten million of the registered voters didn't vote. What are the concerns of the other percentage that didn't vote for His Excellency? Poverty, unemployment, treatment…those are things that concern us when we are here in transit,” he emphasized.

Before the closing prayer led by Chaplain. Rev. Kansiime, the Archbishop concluded by urging the family to remain united, avoid conflict, and allow peace to guide them forward, trusting and believing that God will continue to provide and sustain them.

Speaking at the gathering, the late’s children expressed gratitude to God for allowing their father to find spiritual peace before his passing. They also expressed their gratitude to relatives, the state house medical team led by Dr. Okia, the UPDF, colleagues, friends, and O.Bs from Ntare High school for their unwavering support throughout his entire life and medical journey.

The late’s youngest daughter, Nankya Bwohe Marian recalled some of her father’s guiding principles, quoting him as saying, “All I have given and provided you is because of my education. And I am who I am because of my friends,” reflecting his deep appreciation for learning, friendship, and community.

The widow, Mrs. Kyarisiima Margaret, was emotional as she expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for the love and spiritual support shown to the family, noting that he also visited her husband at Nakasero Hospital, prayed for him, and through that encounter, her husband found salvation. She also thanked His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the support extended to the family, as well as Haji Abbas Sekyanzi of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and Hon. Safina Kenyangi of the Uganda Muslim Women Council for their courtesy visit.

Rtd. Lt. Col. Kato Damieno applauded His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the new UPDF amendment, particularly the improved medical services for veterans. However, he also called for the implementation of a national health insurance scheme for all Ugandans. 

Rtd. Lt. Moses Mugisha Magufuri described Archbishop Kaziimba’s visit as a true reflection of 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love,” noting that the Archbishop’s presence was a powerful testament of love for the bereaved family, and that love remains the foundation upon which healing and unity are built.

The visit by Archbishop Kaziimba served not only as a moment of comfort for the bereaved family but also as a powerful reminder of the values that the late Maj. Babumba Henry Bwohe stood for; service, compassion, unity, and concern for the well-being of all Ugandans. 

As the family mourns his passing, they do so strengthened by faith, supported by community, and feel encouraged to carry forward his legacy of integrity, gratitude, and love for humanity and the nation.