By Barbara Nansiimbi
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hailed the late Rev. Eliasaph Sserwadda for combining faith with actions.
Rev. Sserwadda who passed on last year, was the father of Col. Edith Nakalema Asizua, the head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU).
“He was not just a preacher of the word of God, he was also a specialist in metal works and fabrication. This was his omwooga that enabled him to earn some money to cater for the needs of his family,” President Museveni said.
The President made the remarks on Sunday 8th February 2026 in his message delivered by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, during a memorial service for Rev. Sserwadda and thanksgiving for building the Church at Kanyeganyegye, Kashari, Mbarara District.According to President Museveni, like Jesus and Apostle Paul, Rev. Sserwadda understood the fact that people have both spiritual and physical needs.
“Besides his priestly duties, he also worked hard, with his hands to earn a living,” he said.
He also commended the late Rev. Sserwadda and his wife Midresi Ndungi for raising a wonderful family, anchored on Christian values and the fear of God.“Parents and guardians are the first teachers for any child. Children observe what their parents do and say; and, therefore, model their lives after their actions and words. This is why the family unit is important in society. It is the place where children are trained and mentored to be responsible and productive members of society,” he said.
President Museveni added that he has been able to observe Mzee Sserwadda’s attributes of devotion to God, integrity, selflessness, and a spirit of service in his daughter, Col. Nakalema.
“This is what has enabled her to make a patriotic contribution in the Ugandan army and public service. I also wish to thank Nakalema’s younger siblings, who are also making commendable contributions in their respective capacities,” he stated.
Furthermore, President Museveni thanked God for the life and legacy of the late Rev. Sserwadda.“He will always be remembered for his lifelong commitment to serving God and the Church. Although he is no longer in our midst, his memory and legacy will remain as an inspiration to the present and succeeding generations,” he concluded.
On the other hand, the memorial service prayers were led by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rt. Rev. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu who urged Ugandans to promote love instead of hatred.
Col. Nakalema said a year has passed since they laid her dear father to rest in the hills of Kashari.
“They say time heals all wounds, but I have learned that time simply teaches us how to carry the weight of a great loss. Today is not a day of mourning, but a day of profound gratitude. We are here to celebrate a man who was the compass and pillar of our family,” she said.
Col. Nakalema also revealed that her late father provided and loved his family unconditionally.“To many of you, Rev. Sserwadda was a Church Leader, a counselor, and a man of God. To me, he was the first person who taught me what it meant to serve,” she said.
Col. Nakalema said her late father did not just spread the gospel, he lived it, and his devotion to the Church was not a Sunday activity; it was his breath.
“I remember growing up, our home was always open to all people. Whether it was a neighbor seeking advice or a traveler needing a meal, Taata treated everyone with the same Christian grace,” Col. Nakalema stated.
