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Reverend Father Gaetano Batanyenda, the esteemed parish priest of Kitanga in Kabale Diocese, has officially retired from active priesthood, marking the culmination of five decades of dedicated service. At the age of 80, he celebrated a heartfelt thanksgiving event at the parish headquarters in Kashambya sub-county, Rukiga district, surrounded by well-wishers and community members.
In his farewell address, Father Batanyenda expressed his gratitude to all supporters and appealed for continued support for his successor in furthering the parish’s development. Citing health concerns, he disclosed his decision to retire, emphasizing his wish to be laid to rest at Kitanga parish when the time comes.
Despite his affiliation with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, Father Batanyenda is renowned for his outspoken criticism of President Yoweri Museveni’s administration, particularly regarding issues of corruption and calls for constitutional reforms.
During the service, Monsignor Vianney Sunday, Vicar General of Kabale Diocese, announced that Father Marious Byamukama would assume the role of parish priest, succeeding Father Batanyenda. Father Byamukama acknowledged the challenges ahead but praised Father Batanyenda’s remarkable contributions to the parish’s growth and development. He also mentioned that Father Byaruhanga would assist in overseeing Father Batanyenda’s health until his final journey.
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Community leaders, including Gad Owaruhanga and Alineo Bandaganiire, lauded Father Batanyenda’s legacy of establishing schools in remote areas, significantly expanding educational opportunities for local communities. James Musinguzi Garuga, a Kanungu-based businessman, and Members of Parliament Wilfred Niwagaba and Roland Bish Ndyomugenyi commended Father Batanyenda for his unwavering dedication to preaching the Gospel and fostering a culture of saving among the populace. They also acknowledged his role in establishing the Rukiga Savings and Credit Cooperative Society and his ongoing efforts to combat corruption.
Pizzi Antonio, an Italian volunteer affiliated with the Comboni Missionaries, shared a poignant memory of meeting Father Batanyenda in 1983. He recounted Father Batanyenda’s appeal for assistance in establishing a health unit at Kitanga Catholic Church to provide essential healthcare services to the local community. Through collaboration with the Comboni Missionaries, the parish successfully established a Health Centre III, reflecting Father Batanyenda’s commitment to holistic community development.
Born on December 24, 1944, to Anantoli Tabwendero and Enfrazia Nyakweshe in Makiro parish, Father Batanyenda embarked on his educational journey at Rutenga Primary School in Kanungu district in 1957. He pursued further studies at St. Paul’s Seminary Kabale and Ggaba National Seminary, dedicating his life to serving in various parishes throughout his priesthood.
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