Summary:
- Dr. Turyagyenda passed away on November 25, 2024, at the age of 84, following complications from a blood clot.
RUKIGA: Hundreds of mourners gathered on Saturday at Kandago Church of Uganda in Nyabirerema Archdeaconry, Rukiga District, to pay their final respects to Rev. Canon Dr. Jackson Turyagyenda, a renowned broadcaster, media trainer, and the first Provincial Communications Officer of the Church of Uganda.
Dr. Turyagyenda passed away on November 25, 2024, at the age of 84, following complications from a blood clot. Born on September 30, 1940, he left behind a legacy of commitment to the Church and media.
During the burial service, Sheila Muhumuza, one of Dr. Turyagyenda’s daughters, shared that her father had enjoyed robust health throughout his life, never suffering from common ailments. However, earlier this year, he was diagnosed with a blood clot in one of his legs and had been undergoing treatment.
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Joan Bagora, an in-law to the deceased, described him as a mentor, counselor, and hardworking family man whose love and care will be greatly missed.
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In his sermon, Rev. Just Ayebare, Treasurer for the Diocese of Kigezi, encouraged Christians to focus on preparing for eternal life rather than questioning the inevitability of death.
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A message from His Grace Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, was delivered by Bishop Gaddie Akanjuna of Kigezi Diocese. Archbishop Kaziimba praised Dr. Turyagyenda’s dedication to the Church, especially during challenging times for Christianity in Uganda. He also recognized his instrumental role in establishing the Mass Communication Department at Uganda Christian University (UCU), which has trained countless media professionals.
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Dr. Turyagyenda had a lifelong passion for radio, beginning in the 1970s when he recorded programs on tape at Mukono Radio Centre. He spearheaded efforts to establish a Church-run radio station, though his vision was thwarted by government restrictions at the time.
Dr.Jackson Turyagyenda during one of his classes at Bishop Barham University College Kabale. File Photo
In the 2000s, under Archbishop Mpalanyi Nkoyooyo, he served as Provincial Communications Officer and oversaw communications for the Church of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga Zaire. He also played a key role in founding Words of Hope Ministries at UCU’s Communications House and contributed to the Runyankore-Rukiga Bible Review Committee.
Dr. Turyagyenda was the first person in the Church of Uganda to hold the title of Canon in two cathedrals—All Saints Cathedral in Kampala and St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rugarama, Kabale.
Recognized for his media talent by the late Archbishop Janani Luwum, he trained in media at the All Africa Conference of Churches in Nairobi and served as Luwum’s press officer during the tumultuous period leading up to Luwum’s assassination.
Dr. Turyagyenda proposed and helped establish the Mass Communication Program at UCU in 2000. He later taught Television and Radio Production for 11 years at Bishop Barham University College, retiring in 2019. In July 2024, UCU honored him with an award for his outstanding contributions to the media industry.
Dr. Turyagyenda is survived by three children. His life of service to the Church and media remains an enduring inspiration to all who knew him.
Mourners praying for the late Turyagyenda at his ancestral home in Kyerero Bukinda Sub County Rukiga district on Saturday Photo by Obed Kankiriho
