Archbishop Paul K Bakyenga

Archbishop Emeritus

Archbishop Emeritus Paul Kamuza Bakyenga dedicated 50 years of his life to the priesthood, serving as a priest for 52 years and as a bishop for 34 years. He played a significant role in the establishment of the Archdiocese of Mbarara, becoming its first Archbishop in 1999.

Born: 30 June 1944, in Bumbeire Igara village, Bushenyi District

Early Life and Education

• Primary education at Ibaare Primary School (1952-1957)
• Ibanda Preparatory Seminary (1958-1960)
• St. Francis Xavier Kitabi Seminary (1961)
• Bukalasa Seminary (1965) for higher studies
• Taught briefly at St. Paul's Seminary Rushoroza in Kabale District
• Studied at St. Andrews College in Scotland, obtaining a degree in Theology majoring in scripture studies (1967)

Priestly Life and Episcopal Ministry

Archbishop Emeritus Bakyenga was ordained a priest by Bishop John Baptist Kakubi at Mushanga Parish on July 8th, 1971. His early ministry included serving as Chaplain of Ntare Secondary School, Rector of Kitabi Minor Seminary, and studying at the Biblical Institute of the Gregorian University in Rome, where he earned a Licentiate Degree in Sacred Scripture (1974-1978).

Upon his return to Uganda, he was appointed Chancellor and Pastoral Coordinator for Mbarara Diocese (1979-1982). He also served as Lecturer of New Testament Studies at National Seminary Ggaba and later as Rector of the same seminary (1985-1989).

On March 6th, 1989, Pope John Paul II appointed him as Co-adjutor of Mbarara Diocese, and he was ordained Bishop and Co-adjutor on June 24th, 1989. He succeeded as Bishop of Mbarara on November 23, 1991, and was installed on December 7, 1991. On January 2, 1999, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the first Archbishop of Mbarara.

Achievements and Contributions

During his tenure, Archbishop Bakyenga held several leadership positions, including Chairman of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences of Eastern Africa (AMECEA), Chairman of Uganda Episcopal Conference, and Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi and Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

He also chaired the Seminary and Priestly Formation Commission and the Health Commission, and served on various boards, including the Bible Society of Uganda and the Board of Directors of Centenary Bank.

Archbishop Bakyenga was instrumental in founding Holy Innocents Children's Hospital at Nyamitanga and Radio Maria Mbarara. He also established the University of St. Joseph’s Mbarara among other institutions.

Retirement

Archbishop Emeritus Paul K. Bakyenga retired on April 25th, 2020, after reaching the canonical retirement age. He was succeeded by His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha as the second Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mbarara.