Nyakama, Erasito

[BUNYORO]

Rev. Erasito Nyakama was one of the first Banyoro to become interested in Christianity when teachers came to Paulo Byabaowezi’s headquarters.[1] He was baptized by the Rev. Nuwa Nakiwafu on April 22, 1901, and confirmed by Bishop Tucker on June 18 of the following year.[2] Immediately started to work as a church teacher. In 1907 he was chosen as one of three Banyoro to be trained for eventual ordination.[3] He was ordained deacon in 1911 and priest on November 12, 1912.[4] He spent his whole working life at Hoima and is remembered for his faithful service.[5] In 1935 this was recognized when he was made a Canon of Namirembe Cathedral.[6] In 1942 he retired, but continued to take services until his last illness in 1967.[7] He died on October 2, 1967.

Louise Pirouet

Notes(short form; see List of Sources for complete citations):

1. Fataki, Mika, 1932, p. 66

2. Hoima Baptism Register.

3. Fisher Papers, Book XVIII, Fisher to Bardsley, November 20, 1910.

4. Church of Uganda, record Book; Hoima Service Book.

5. Tibanagwa, 1967.

6. Church of Uganda, Record Book.

7. Tibanagwa, 1967.

This biography, written by Louise Pirouet, was included in “Appendix A: Biographical Notes,” on page 418 of “The Expansion of the Church of Uganda (N.A.C.) from Buganda into Northern and Western Uganda between 1891 and 1914, with Special Reference to the work of African Teachers and Evangelists” (PhD Thesis: University of East Africa, 1968). Pirouet published this thesis as Black Evangelists (London: Rex Collings, 1978). However, Black Evangelists does not reproduce the detailed biographies, complete with references to sources, found in Appendix A of the thesis. Print copies are available at Africana Section, Makerere University Library (U 02 P57); The Centre for Christianity Worldwide, Cambridge; and a microfilm copy at the School of Oriental Studies, London. [information from Angus Crichton]