As we mark the climax of Bishop Stuart University at 20 years celebrations, we bring you an excerpt of an annotated history of Bishop Simon Cyril Edgar.
Because of his great service and contribution to the nation and particularly the education sector, Bishop Stuart University was named after him.
Bishop Simon Cyril Edgar Stuart was born on 27th November 1892 and died on 23rd August 1982. He became the 3rd Bishop of the Diocese of Uganda from 1932-1952 before returning to England to be an assistant Bishop of Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
His wife accompanied him and until his retirement in 1953, the two played a tremendous role in the transformation of social life in the country. They had a special friendship with Kabaka Fredrick Muteesa II. On November 19, 1948, Bishop Stuart joined King Muteesa II in Holy Matrimony with Lady Damali at St. Paula Cathedral Namirembe.
Years later in 1971 when the remains of the late Kabaka Muteesa II were brought back for burial, the Stuarts (Cyril and Mary) were aboard with other close friends.
The Stuarts retired in 1953 and went back to England and he (Bishop Stuart) became an assistant Bishop of Worcester. When he passed away, Mary Stuart at 80 years, plunged not into unending grief but into devotion to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Respecting her husband’s wishes, she brought back his ashes for burial on the grounds of Namirembe cathedral. She was accompanied by her son Andrew. They laid the Bishop to rest not far from Bishop James Hannington, the first Bishop of Uganda who was murdered on his way to Namirembe.
Mary Stuart died on 4th June 2002 and was laid to rest in 2002 beside her husband at Namirembe Cathedral. Andrew Stuart (the son) accompanied the ashes of his mother to Uganda.
Mary Stuart Hall of residence at Makerere University was named after this lady who did tremendous work in the promotion of education, rights of women, Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) in Uganda, Mothers’ Union(MU), speaking English and playing Netball.
The writer is Rev. Wilson Mugisha
Student (1994-1996) at a time when BSU was still National Teachers’ College and
Currently a Chaplain at Mwizi Secondary School, Ankole Diocese.