The Uganda Christian University (UCU) community and the wider Anglican Church in Uganda are mourning the death of Rev. Canon Kasamba Lusaniya, a revered cleric, educator and mentor whose ministry shaped generations of Christians, church leaders and scholars.
Canon Kasamba passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the age of 86, nearly a year after he was honoured by UCU for his outstanding contribution to theological education and pastoral ministry.
During UCU’s 26th Graduation Ceremony held on July 4, 2025, the university’s Governing Council and top management paid tribute to Canon Kasamba’s illustrious clerical career, recognizing a lifetime dedicated to serving God and nurturing thousands of believers across Uganda and beyond.
Widely celebrated within the Anglican community, Canon Kasamba was known as a diligent discipler, a foundational mentor and an educator whose influence extended far beyond the classroom. He holds a special place in UCU’s history as the institution’s first chaplain following its establishment in 1997.
His ministry in higher education spanned more than two decades. Between 1978 and 1987, he served as University Chaplain at St. Francis Chapel at Makerere University during a period marked by political and social uncertainty. Through biblically grounded preaching, pastoral sensitivity and a gift for storytelling, he became a source of spiritual stability for students, staff and faculty.
Many who encountered him at Makerere later rose to positions of leadership in the Church, government and civil society. Under his guidance, St. Francis Chapel developed into a vibrant centre for evangelical renewal, discipleship and community transformation.
One clergy trainer who benefited from his mentorship described him as a Christ-centred and faithful chaplain whose ministry was characterized by powerful yet engaging preaching, unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to discipleship.
“He mentored young preachers, fostered spiritual growth through student fellowships and retreats, and lived a life of simplicity, prayer and generosity,” the former student said, adding that Canon Kasamba consistently demonstrated sincerity in both public and private life, upheld financial integrity and warmly welcomed students and staff into his home.
In 1987, Canon Kasamba joined Bishop Tucker Theological College in Mukono as a lecturer in Church History. When the college transitioned into Uganda Christian University in 1997, he became one of its pioneering faculty members and simultaneously served as chaplain until his retirement in 2001.
Students remember his lectures as more than academic sessions. He had a rare ability to bring history alive, linking developments in the Anglican Church in Uganda with contemporary ministry challenges through vivid illustrations, humour and personal experiences.
As chaplain, he was admired for his accessibility, pastoral warmth and intentional ministry. His willingness to communicate in people’s local languages and his storytelling approach to preaching endeared him to students and staff alike. His chaplaincy emphasized discipleship, spiritual formation and the building of a strong Christian community.
Canon Kasamba’s influence reached some of the most prominent leaders in the Church of Uganda, including the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, whom he mentored during his years of ministry.
Beyond teaching and preaching, he was regarded as a bridgebuilder who strengthened relationships between Ugandan theological institutions and global Christian communities, promoting dialogue and collaboration.
Even after retirement, Canon Kasamba remained a respected elder within the Church of Uganda, often sought out for theological insight, fatherly counsel and quiet wisdom.
As tributes continue to pour in, many have described his life as an example of faithful Christian service marked by humility, generosity and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
Though his voice has fallen silent, those who knew him say his legacy endures in the countless clergy, chaplains, professors and lay leaders he mentored, and in the institutions, he helped shape through a lifetime devoted to Christ and His people.
Source: Uganda Christian University (UCU) Website
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