MBARARA: The body of the late Rev. Eriassafu Serwadda, father of senior Presidential Advisor on Anti-Corruption Col. Edith Nakalema has been laid to rest in Kashari, Mbarara district.
Rev. Serwadda passed away last Saturday, February 8, 2025. In his eulogy delivered by the Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo to thousands of mourners, president Yoweri Museveni thanked the late Rev. Eliasafu for having laid a strong moral and spiritual foundation, for his children.
He said Rev. Eliasafu was firmly rooted in the religious tradition of the revival movement noting that the revival movement taught the Christians to fear God and love one another. “He instilled the principles of the revival movement into his children. I have observed that Col. Nakalema, whom I have deployed in a number of positions, is highly disciplined, hardworking and patriotic,” president Museveni said.
He emphasized that this has enabled Col. Nakalema who also heads the State House Investors Protection Unit to continue making a commendable contribution to nation building.
The president therefore, saluted the late Rev. Eliasafu for raising a God-fearing family. He said it is a sad moment for the family and the Church, which he served diligently. “His wise counsel, love and care will be missed. I pray that the Almighty God grants you the fortitude and courage to go through this moment of grief and loss,” Museveni said.
He told mourners that although Rev. Eliasafu has departed from your midst, the Scriptures give assurance that death is not the end, for believers.
Making reference to Thessalonians 4:14. President Museveni said this is the hope that you should hold firmly, knowing that: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” On behalf of Government and his own behalf, Museveni conveyed heartfelt sympathies to Col. Edith Nakalema; and the entire family, upon the death of your dear father.
In an emotional eulogy, Nakalema expressed deep sorrow but also celebrated her father’s life. She told mourners who included the clergy, senior UPDF officers, Ministers and the general public that as we grieve, we should also celebrate Mzee Rev. Eriasafu Serwadda’s life- “a life of love, wisdom, and unwavering faith,” Col. Nakalema said.
She urged friends and thousands of well-wisher to keep the family in prayers as they mourn and honour the legacy of Rev. Eliasafu.
The send-off ceremony begun with Service led by Rt. Rev. Onesmus Asiimwe, the Bishop of North Ankole diocese assisted by Rt. Rev. Michael Lubowa, the bishop of Central Buganda diocese and Rt. Rev. Dr. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, currently the Bishop of Ankole Diocese and Chancellor of Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Mwesigwa told the gathering that Rev. Eliasafu has fought a good fight. “He was able to fight a good fight of marriage. He has kept his wife for 54years. He has raised God fearing and hardworking children,” Mwesigwa said. He urged the children to remain united and God fearing.
