Reverend Father Gaetano Batanyenda (born 30 June 1944) is a prominent Ugandan Catholic priest who served as one of the longest-serving church leaders in the Kabale Diocese for over four decades.[1] Born in Kanungu, Uganda, Batanyenda became a significant figure in both religious and political discourse in southwestern Uganda, serving as head of the Kigezi Inter Religious Council and maintaining a prominent voice in social and political matters.[2][3]
Batanyenda was born on 30 June 1944 in Kanungu, Uganda. He was ordained as a Catholic priest and began his ecclesiastical career in the Kabale Diocese, where he would spend the majority of his pastoral ministry. His dedication to religious service spanned five decades, from 1974 to 2024.[3]
Ministry and leadership
Batanyenda served as the parish priest of Kitanga Catholic Parish for 25 years, making him one of the longest-serving church leaders in the Kabale Diocese.[1] His extended tenure at Kitanga Parish demonstrated his commitment to local community development and pastoral care. Beyond his parish duties, he assumed leadership of the Kigezi Inter Religious Council, facilitating interfaith dialogue and cooperation in the region.[2]
Throughout his career, Batanyenda also served as the speaker of Kabale District Council, engaging in matters of local governance and community affairs.[4]
Political activism and social commentary
Batanyenda emerged as a vocal advocate for political engagement by religious leaders. In 2011, he published a letter urging president Yoweri Museveni to resign.[5] In 2020, he urged fellow clergy to participate in political campaigns to guide Ugandans in choosing better political leaders ahead of the 2021 General Election, stating: "Don't bow to intimidation. We don't draw our calling from politicians."[6]
His outspoken nature extended to calls for systemic change in Uganda's political structure. In 2022, Batanyenda advocated for the abolition of political parties in Uganda, particularly in higher education institutions, arguing that their presence contributed to violence and instability.[7][8][9]
Relationship with government and controversy
Despite his affiliation with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, Batanyenda maintained an independent stance on various political issues.[1] In 2015, he joined Bishop Zac Niringiye in calling upon Ugandans to recognize historical patterns of governance and divine intervention in Uganda's political development.[10][11]
His critical stance toward government policies occasionally placed him at odds with political authorities. Security briefings in 2021 suggested that critical church leaders, including Batanyenda, faced potential government surveillance and intimidation efforts.[4]
Retirement and legacy
In March 2024, at the age of 80, Reverend Father Gaetano Batanyenda retired from active priesthood after 50 years of dedicated service to the Catholic Church.[1] His retirement marked the end of an era in the Kabale Diocese, where he had served as a bridge between religious and secular authority, advocating for social justice and political accountability while maintaining his pastoral responsibilities.[2]
Batanyenda's legacy encompasses both his extended pastoral ministry and his role as a social activist who challenged political and religious establishments to uphold moral standards. His career exemplified the potential for religious leaders to engage constructively with political processes while maintaining their spiritual mandate.[2][12]
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