Sendoff ceremony for Archbishop Lwanga underway at Lubaga

Police has heavily deployed this morning as hundreds of people from all walks of life head to Lubaga Cathedral for the final sendoff of late Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, His Grace Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.

Lwanga who was found dead on Saturday morning at his residence, will be buried today inside Lubaga Cathedra.

According to Luke Owoyesigyire the Deputy police spokesperson Kampala metropolitan area, they a big number of invited guests to attend the send off. On Wednesday, police announced traffic and security guidelines for the send off that is expected to start at 8am.

“Given the Covid-19 pandemic that is still affecting the country and the world, we urge the invited guests to follow Ministry of Health guidelines to control the spread of the Coronavirus. They should come wearing Face masks. The church has provided sanitizers at the entrance and each person should ensure that they sanitise before accessing the church premises” Owoyesigyire said.

Three check points have been set up to ensure that all guests are checked as they access the premises.
He urged the faithful to come with only items that are not a danger to others.

Police has deployed covert, overt and foot patrollers in the area as well as a number of health personnel equipped with enough ambulances from police and the church in case of any health emergency.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Archdiocese of Kampala has requested the faithful to participate in the funeral remotely by watching on television, radio and social media. The burial will be attended by a few selected persons due to lack of space given the rules of social distancing.

There are traffic guidelines to be followed on that day and are as follows: Traffic has been diverted at Nabunya junction, Kabusu roundabout and Rubaga Hospital at Mutesa Road.

Rubaga Road leading to the cathedral is restricted from motorists. Motorists with stickers are accessing the cathedral from Kabuusu roundabout via Stensera Road and Mugwanya Road via Mutesa Road respectively.

All VIPs are accessing the cathedral through Kabusu roundabout to Stensera Road and park at Centenary Bank parking yard, Uganda Martyrs University, Social Centre.
Those from Mutesa Road are parking at Rubaga Girls School and Rubaga Hospital parking yard.

All mourners are being screened by security and are wearing facemasks to comply with both health and security guidelines. Uganda police Force band is leading the procession to the cathedral from the late prelate’s residence. Final Mass is set to begin at 10:00am. Only family members, the religious, officials from Buganda Kingdom and Central government will be allowed inside the Cathedral for burial.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.