By Victor Turinawe
The Archbishop of the Province of Church of Uganda, The Most Reverend Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has praised the late Dorothy Kalengye for the work she did in supporting church ministry. This was during a requiem service that was held for her, at Uganda Christian University (UCU) at Nkoyoyo Hall where staff, friends and well wishers had gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased.
Kalengye was the wife of Rev. Can. Professor Edison Kalengye, a Professor for New Testament Studies, and a former Chaplain of UCU Mukono Campus, and the late was a former administrative assistant for the Law Department (now School of Law). She died at Mulago National Referral Hospital after a long period of illness on Sunday, 18th January, and will be laid to rest on Monday, 21st January.
The Archbishop stated that during his early days of church ministry when he was serving as the Vicar of St Andrews and Phillips Cathedral Mukono, the Kalengye family prepared a big gift for him.
“They said, ‘It’s up to you, to know where you’re going to take it, for church ministry.’ And it was given somewhere; they were able to complete their church, which was under construction. And even in that church, when I took the money, they don’t know where I got it from,” the Archbishop said.
He also applauded Edison, her husband for being a faithrful and supportive spouse.
“Let us appreciate our friend, her husband, for keeping the promise and the vows. And the UCU community, thank you for your love, for your support to her because a believing community is a caring community and it’s very important, ” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
The Vice Chancellor Professor Aaron Mushengyenzi on behalf of UCU, commended Kalengye as a person who was a loving and cherished member of the community.
“Many people have personal stories and fond memories of her. She was a quiet person, but once you interacted with her, you discovered how warm, gentle, and gracious she truly was. The last time she came to our home was during a ladies’ fellowship. After her mission in Kenya, she was already struggling to speak and was stammering, yet she remained present and joyful. That was the last time we spoke with her before her speech completely failed,” said Professor Mushengyenzi.
Her family members and relatives described her life as one lived with intention before the Lord, for the Lord, and for His glory alone. They further said that her devotion to the work and ministry of God will forever remain her legacy as her unwavering commitment to educating and supporting her family, a responsibility she faithfully carried until the very end of her life.
