Kampala, Uganda – By Heather M Asher & E. K Benj
Nalongo Henrietta Ddungu has drawn accolades from Kampala city Pastors including Robert Kayanja Kayanja the lead pastor of Miracle Centre Cathedral in Lubaga.
Ddungu born 1951 succumbed to cancer on Monday and as soon as the body arrived at her home in Najjanakumbi on Entebbe road several pastors and friends assembled to pay tribute.
Yesterday during a special service at her home, Apostle Charles Tumwine- Spokesperson of Born Again Faith said the deceased was a generous person who impacted them when they had just started ministry. “As an owner of a travel agency, she would offer tickets on debts and many times when missing 100 dollars.” Tumwine said.
He also revealed meeting his wife Namubiru at Nalongo’s home where she was staying. “Every time I went to her office, she would encourage me saying Brother Tumwine life will get better and indeed God helped and life became better.” Tumwiine.
Addressing mourners, Presiding Apostle Dr. Joseph Sserwadda narrated that a Ticket to London was U$ 400 and sometimes U$350.”A pastor in the city who had U$200 at that time even had people wiping his shoes. Thats how I met Nalongo while looking for tickets; those tickets with long trips connecting first to Moscow, Russia or Bombay in India.”
“If there’s anything Nalongo has ever done, then she did it for Born-Agains, enabling them travel and return.” Sserwadda spoke amidst thunderous cheers.
He added that even non-believers die and they weep for them but the Born-again shouldn’t cry or speak ungodly as though there’s no hope. During his sermon he emphasized biblical teachings quoting “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the those who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”- Revelation 14:13
Sserwadda also added Roman 8:38-39; “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
He said that his journey with Nalongo has been close to 40 years.
Pastor Jessica Kayanja shortly before inviting her husband Robert Kayanja described Nalongo as a mother who brought together young women and prepared them for marriage including her wedding.
While speaking about the deceased Pastor Robert Kayanja narrated Nalongo Ddungu’s story from Jet Tours at Luwum Street which she operated and was part of Miracle Centre fellowship which started in a papyrus structure. Kayanja describes her as warrior who loved Jesus truly and would never get angry but kept on encouraging them. Together with then church elders Telasenta and Mrs. Sempebwa he said were supportive to the young preacher.
Satire
Kayanja amused mourners regarding Nalongo air-tickets generosity to pastors; “This Serwadda here was a key beneficiary, I used to meet him coming out of my flock’s office. Even when she wouldn’t disclose the names I would obviously know since she would present prayer requests to me for pastors to get money and pay arrears.”
Prophecy
Pastor Kayanja used this moment to hint on what next for Uganda and the world after Corona virus. “Let me tell you brethren, something is coming for Uganda, We knew about this COVID, it’s stated Biblically that when you see drought and Locusts, just know a pandemic is coming.” Kayanja said.
Kayaja also offered condolences of UGX 1 million and promised to bring more 3 million on behalf of other Miracle Centre Churches. He greeted mourners as he left guarded by several security personnel and driven away in a white Lexus GX with a police lead car.
Nalongo Ddunga Henrietta has been buried by hundreds in Kilolo village- Ssemutto road in Mattuga, Wakiso. She is survived by her husband Ddungu Rogers, children and grandchildren as well as a church she has been constructing in Stella, Najjanankumbi.
Pastor Robert Kayanja- Pictorial
HICGI News Agency 