Taking the church to the market place

Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira’s liteside

Any three things we don’t know about you?A lot is known about a leader like me. May be some people don’t know that I didn’t study Advanced Level.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

When you realise that your life has been realigned with the will of God and you believe that whatever you do is according to His will, it brings much joy to you. You may not have material possessions but if you have Jesus Christ, you have it all.

What is your greatest fear?

As a leader, I fear making other people stumble.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

It’s getting angry especially when I feel that the person I am working with knows the right thing to be done but does the contrary.

Which living person do you most admire?

Unfortunately he is gone; I was so much touched by the life of the late Bishop Misaeri Kawuma. In him, I saw a man who was so pastoral; with much love for others. Even when he is not present to be thanked, I value his love and support for my ministry and thank God for his life. There are also other people who are so good but I can’t afford to compare them to him.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I buy more books than anything else much as I may spend some time without reading them.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

As Christians, we may feel that we have made much impact in sharing the gospel but there are other issues to which we are not paying the much needed attention. We need to look more into the practical aspects of Christianity.

On what occasion do you lie?

Not any.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

It is others to look at me and judge otherwise if I do it, I may end up in depression and blaming God.

Which living person do you most despise?

Despising a person is too big; I would rather respect other people as I want to be respected.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Anybody who appreciates what God has done in his life.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

She must appreciate what God has done for her.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

They both died in the same year 1985; my mother succumbed to cancer in January while my father died of old age in March. But even in their absence, my parents still take it because before my wife could see me, my parents must have played an important role in my life. However, I also value my wife.

When and where were you happiest?

February 13, 1976 when I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior, on December 14, 1986 when I was ordained a Deacon and when I married Faith on September 2, 1989. Those moments laid a foundation for greater achievements in my life.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I look at being a great international motivational speaker although I would not struggle much to achieve it.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

The first thing I set out to do upon being enthroned Bishop of Namirembe; the mother diocese, was to empower young men and women as the power to change people’s lives and this much we have done.

I also wanted to handle the renovation of Namirembe Cathedral as the treasure of the Church of the Province of Uganda. It was a big project but by 2014, we had done 90% of the work.

Whatever God has given me; little as it may be, I treasure it.

Where would you most like to live?

In any village where I can have enough time to rest especially when I retire because when you retire, even people retire from knowing who you are.

What is your most treasured possession?

Living within the grace of God.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Falling from the grace of God because I have seen those who have messed up and life has become so hard and shattered for them.

Who are your favorite writers?

The late Dr. Myles Munroe; I am greatly encouraged by his writings. He had a life that was despised a lot but was determined to succeed and made great impact in the ministry of the Lord through his writings.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

I have read about William Wilberforce who was so instrumental in the abolition of slave trade.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Although he had ups and downs, Nelson Mandela suffered and lived to see what he suffered for. He is my hero.

What is your greatest regret?

It is not of my own making. By the time I was ordained, both of my parents were gone and at times I wish they lived to see what I am today, they would be satisfied by the fruits they sowed.

How would you like to die?

Still a committed Christian and having accomplished what the Lord prepared for me.

What is your motto?

Never to give up.