The late Rev. Fr. Charles Lwanga Ssewava
The Catholic Church and the media fraternity in Uganda are mourning the death of Rev. Fr. Charles Lwanga Ssewava, a senior priest of the Archdiocese of Kampala and former National Director of Radio Maria Uganda.
Fr Ssewava died at Lubaga Hospital on Wednesday evening, September 23, 2026, while receiving medical care. His death was confirmed by the Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, in an announcement issued on Wednesday evening.
At the time of his death, Fr Ssewava was serving as parish priest of Kiwatule Parish.
The Archdiocese did not disclose the specific medical condition that led to his death. Church authorities asked Catholics to pray for the deceased priest, his family and the Kiwatule Parish community, saying burial arrangements would be communicated later.
Radio Maria remembers a familiar voice
News of his death quickly prompted tributes from Catholic media organisations, former colleagues and listeners who followed his years of broadcasting and ministry.
Fr Ssewava was widely known across Uganda for his service at Radio Maria Uganda, where he held senior positions, including National Director as well as managing and editorial director.
He became particularly popular for his involvement in the Saints of the Week programme, in which he discussed the lives of saints, Church history and Catholic traditions.
Radio Maria Uganda paid tribute to the priest, recalling his contribution to the programme and his service to the station.
“Wummula mirembe Fr Ssewava Charles. You have really served the Lord, may he welcome you in his kingdom,” the station said. “We will surely miss working with you in Saints of the Week programme.”
Radio Sapientia Uganda also announced his death, describing him as a senior priest of the Archdiocese of Kampala and former managing director of Radio Maria.
His death has particularly affected colleagues in Catholic broadcasting, where he was regarded as a knowledgeable voice on matters concerning the Church.
Remembered for Church knowledge
Listeners also remembered Fr Ssewava for his extensive knowledge of Church history and his command of several languages.
His expertise frequently made him a sought-after commentator on Catholic affairs beyond radio programming.
In 2025, he featured in television interviews in which he explained issues surrounding the papal conclave, the significance of names chosen by popes and developments involving the late Pope Francis.
His explanations helped audiences understand complex Church processes and traditions in accessible terms.
Beyond the media, Fr Ssewava remained active in parish ministry, preaching and providing pastoral guidance to Catholics on matters including Lent, the Jubilee Year of Hope and other aspects of Christian life.
His ministry therefore extended from the pulpit to the radio and television studios, giving him a public profile that went beyond his parish responsibilities.
For many Catholics, his voice became associated with programmes that combined faith, history and teaching.
Church prepares for burial
The Archbishop of Kampala has asked the faithful to pray for the repose of Fr Ssewava’s soul as the Archdiocese prepares to announce details of his funeral.
By Wednesday evening, no burial programme had been released.
His death leaves the Catholic Church and Uganda’s Catholic media fraternity mourning a priest who spent years combining pastoral ministry with communication and religious education.
For former colleagues and listeners, the tributes emerging after his death have highlighted not only his priesthood but also the distinctive contribution he made to Catholic broadcasting in Uganda.
