From right. The Katikkiro, Hon. Kawuki and Hon. Kiyimba Lay Wreath.
The Kingdom and the Catholic Church joined hands to bid farewell to this respected clergyman.
Rev. Fr. Lawrence Mudduse Yawe, born on February 4, 1971, in Minana kisuule, Mityana District, was laid to rest at Kiyinda Mityana Cathedral.
The funeral ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Katikkiro, who emphasised the importance of road safety during his address. He urged Ugandans to adhere to traffic laws to reduce accidents, advising against speeding, emphasizing the importance of following road signs, and urging drivers to obtain proper licenses. He also cautioned against drinking and driving, advocating responsible behaviour on the roads.
Hon. Joseph Kawuki, reading a message from the Mbogo clan head, expressed sorrow over the loss of Rev. Fr. Lawrence Yawe Mudduse, highlighting his significance as a valuable member of the Mbogo clan. The Mass was presided over by Bishop Dr Anthony Zziwa, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mityana, who expressed gratitude to those who assisted the victim, including doctors, security forces, and religious leaders during this time of grief.
Rev. Fr. Lawrence Yawe Mudduse was not only a clergyman but also a scholar. At the time of his death, he was working on a book covering topics such as culture, society, languages, and development. The Katikkiro left a special message in the book, underscoring the priest's dedication to knowledge and culture.
The tragic incident leading to Rev. Fr. Lawrence Yawe Mudduse's death occurred at Kabagaya Village in Butemba Sub-county, Kyankwanzi District. His vehicle collided head-on with a commuter taxi around 7:30 pm on November 26, 2023. Despite initial critical condition treatment at Kiboga Hospital, the priest passed away during the transfer to Nsambya Hospital in Kampala.
The priest was returning to Lwebisiriza Catholic Parish in Kyankwanzi District, where he served as the parish priest. The crash happened after participating in the diocesan day celebrations at Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese headquarters.
Rev. Fr. Lawrence Yawe Mudduse's contributions extended beyond his pastoral duties. Described as resourceful and multi-talented, he was known for delivering humorous sermons easily understood by all. Hon. Joseph Kawuki, the Buganda Kingdom minister for local government, praised the clergyman's commitment to promoting culture, noting his active role in the annual clans heads seminar to foster cultural values in Buganda.
Fr. Mudduse's service extended to Mubende, and he also served as a tutor at St Paul's National Major Seminary - Kinyamasika in Fort Portal for several years. His passing represents a significant loss not only to the Church but also to the broader community that benefited from his knowledge, humour, and dedication to cultural values.