The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, paid a heartfelt visit to the family of the late Major Henry Babumba Bwohe, a retired Uganda People's Defense Air Force (UPDF) senior pilot and ground flight instructor, who passed away on December 23, 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 Inter-Religious Council, Mr. Joshua Kitakule, and the Chaplain, Rev Kansiime.
Also in attendance were Rtd Lt Col. Damieno Kato, Mr Linton Kamugisha from the National Operations of Human Rights Defenders, and the family members of the late Maj. Henry Babumba Bwohe.
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During his address, the Archbishop commended the family for the love, care, and support they gave the deceased throughout his life and especially during his final days.
He also expressed appreciation to His Excellency President 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 some time," 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 Rtd Lt Moses Mugisha Magufuri.
Although Maj Babumba was among the few who accessed medical care through State House, he strongly believed that all Ugandans deserved access to a comprehensive national health insurance scheme, as well as support mechanisms like patient capital to promote agro-industrialization.
Archbishop Kaziimba revealed that religious leaders have repeatedly engaged President 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 youth unemployment 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 issues that concern us while we are here in transit," he emphasized.
Before the closing prayer led by Chaplain Rev Kansiime, the Archbishop urged the family to remain united, avoid conflict, and allow peace to guide them forward, trusting that God will continue to provide and sustain them.
Speaking at the gathering, the late Maj Babumba's children expressed gratitude to God for allowing their father to find spiritual peace before his passing.
They also thanked relatives, the State House medical team led by Dr Okia, the UPDF, colleagues, friends, and Old Boys from Ntare High School for their unwavering support throughout his life and medical journey.
The late Maj. Babumba's youngest daughter, Marian Nankya Bwohe, 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, Ms Margaret Kyarisiima, was emotional as she expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for the love and spiritual support shown to the family, noting that he had also visited her husband at Nakasero Hospital, prayed for him, and helped him find salvation.
She also thanked President Museveni for the support extended to the family, as well as Hajf Abbas Sekyanzi of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and Safina Kenyangi of the Uganda Muslim Women Council for their courtesy visit.
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Lt Col Damieno Kato applauded President Museveni for the new UPDF amendment, particularly the improved medical services for veterans, but also called for the implementation of a national health insurance scheme for all Ugandans.
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, with love serving as the foundation for healing and unity.
The visit by Archbishop Kaziimba served not only as a moment of comfort for the bereaved family but also as a reminder of the values that the late Maj Babumba 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 encouraged to carry forward his legacy of integrity, gratitude, and love for humanity and the nation.
