Amid wails and sobs, the body of Mrs. Leone Mpaka Akiiki, a nurse and host of the Maria Omuzaire program on Jubilee Radio, was finally on Sunday, August 3, laid to rest at her home in Nyakakindo Village, Busoro Sub-county, Kabarole District.
During his homily at the requiem Mass, Rev. Fr. Moses Mutangirizi, the Parish Priest of Bukwali Parish, emphasized that the late Mrs. Akiiki dedicated her life to the Legion of Mary movement, teaching Christians, and following the example of Mary. He reminded the mourners that now that she has found rest in Christ, they ought to follow her example and live in a way that prepares them for their final resting.
Fort Portal Diocese mourns Leone the devoted Legionary
In a message read by Chancellor Fr. Tumuhairwe, the Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr.Robert Muhiirwa, highlighted that Mrs. Leone Mpaka Akiiki was a strong pillar of the Legion of Mary and played a significant role in spreading devotion to Mary.
He said that the Diocese would forever remember her for striving to make Mother Mary known across the Diocese, not forgetting her wise counsel.
Representing her children, Peter Mpaka remembered their mother as a strict disciplinarian, deeply prayerful, and committed to truth.
“We have largely managed life on earth because of the strong values our beloved mother instilled in us. We are firm that our mother will physically meet the Lord she has served all her lifetime” said Peter
Leone Mpaka’s Biography
Leone Mpaka Akiiki, a woman whose life was marked by unwavering dedication to her profession, community, and faith, breathed her last on August 1, 2024, at the age of 78. Born on October 6, 1945, in Kisojo Mwenge, Leone’s journey from a small village to becoming a respected nurse, midwife, and prominent Legionary in the Catholic Church is a testament to her lifelong commitment to serving others.
Early Life
Leone was born to Aporunali Mugurusi Kabooha Abooki and Josephine K. Masamba Amooti. She is a Mwitirakati Mwihwa Wababito Mwijukuru Wabasita Nabagweri clan in Tooro culture.
She received her early education at Wekomire Primary School before attending St. Anne (Maria Gorret) Nabingo, from where she pursued further studies in nursing at Nsabya School of Nursing and Mulago School of Nursing, qualifying as an enrolled and registered nurse, as well as an enrolled and registered midwife.
Her service
Her professional career spanned several decades, during which she served in various healthcare facilities, including Kagadi Hospital, Jinja Referral Hospital, Virika Nursing School, and Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital. Even after her retirement, Leone continued to serve her community by working in private clinics such as Mater Dei Clinic in Mugusu and Mumbagani, Rwengaju Ngombe Gulthodo Health Centre. Her expertise and dedication earned her a place on the Kabarole District Land Boards, where she continued to contribute to her community’s development.
Leone’s service extended beyond her profession. A devout Catholic, she was deeply involved in the Legion of Mary, where she served in various leadership roles, including as President at the Presidiary, Curia, and Commisium levels.
Her contributions to the Church included translating the Legion of Mary Handbook from English to Runyoro-Rutooro, alongside Sister Restetuta Bachwa. Leone was also a passionate promoter of several Catholic devotions, including the Holy Blessed Sacrament, Divine Mercy, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Mariology. She additionally presented the Maria Omuzaire Program on Jubilee Radio every Saturday, something she did till her deathbed.
Leone was a fervent advocate for the souls in purgatory and was dedicated to “Making Mary Known to the World,” a mission she championed throughout her life.
Leone Mpaka Akiiki, is survived by seven children three boys and six girls, and her siblings, including her brother Benardo Karanga and sister Scholastica Nyabaleega Rwebembera. Her legacy of service, faith, and dedication to others will be remembered by all who knew her.
What others say
Rev. Fr. Samuel Mugisa, former chaplain for legionaries in Fort Portal Diocese, says there is a lot to say about Leon Akiiki. She is a friend, a midwife, a mother, a grandmother, a religious teacher, a strict parent, a dedicated Christian leader, a soldier of integrity.
Akiiki’s own life helped me understand the devotional side of the Legion of Mary (see Chapter V of the Legion of Mary Handbook).
By virtue of her loyalty, virtue, and courage, I understood the purpose of the Legion of Mary:Akiiki Leon, has been a mother to many of us. Since my first encounter with her in 2011, she has been a prayer companion and I will always cherish her motherly counsel.
My last message from her was on 11 July 2024:
“Amooti mwaana wange ntaaha kubi ebiro kuruga ontwekera your farewell ms to Germany. I was really sick of the treatment special Radiotherapy. pray for me that I complete this week”
Rev. Fr. Ronald Musinguzi, the Managing Director of Jubilee Radio where Leone has been a staff member, notes that he was moved by Leone Akiiki’s dedication to presenting her program despite her health condition.
I had never had that Leone’s program ever missed on the radio. Her passion and love for Mother Mary was exceptional, and those who got a chance to listen to her talk about Mother Mary were never left the same. We pray that we take her example to continue the legacy of Mother Mary in the Diocese.
Leone Mpaka Akiiki’s life was one of quiet strength, compassionate care, and unyielding faith. Her contributions to the healthcare field and the Catholic Church have left an indelible mark on her community. As her family, friends, and the many lives she touched mourn her passing, they also celebrate the remarkable life she lived, which will continue to inspire future generations
May her soul rest in Peace!
