In this first episode of the Footprints podcast, we bring you Reverend Canon Benoni Mugarura Mutana sharing the journey of his life as an ordained priest in the Anglican Church. Reverend Benoni, known as Uncle Ben shares insights on Leadership alongside his experience with life’s inevitable changes and wisdom on how to overcome crisis.
It all started when he discovered potential within himself while planning for the festive proceedings at his Church as a young man in the 1950s. Uncle Ben narrates that he identified his aptitude for leadership early, and focused on cultivating and channeling that potential. He trained as a priest of the Anglican Church where he served in the province, under the Arch Bishop and the youth department. Uncle Ben then ministered as the Chaplain at Saint Francis Chapel Makerere for 25 years. Indeed, leadership was his calling.
With a passion for music, Uncle Ben resolved to revolutionize music in Saint Francis Chapel where he was Chaplain. A non-conformist— blending his love for the rich cultures within Uganda with his innovative and nouveau aspirations for Christian music, he purposed to reach the youth through a medium that they could relate to; lively music, which was a strong contrast to the traditional worship theme of the Anglican Church.
However, he faced resistance as his vision was unconventional from the traditional worship practice of the Anglican Church that utilized hymns. “It was very difficult,” he says, as change most certainly is to accept, for many. Uncle Ben states that particular members even left the church as they disagreed with his ideas. Nonetheless, he was firm in his resolve to introduce new music to the youth Church, mentoring students from King’s College Budo and Gayaza High School how to play modern instruments like electric keyboards and synthesizers. His perseverance and tenacity proved effective as his ministry impacted many youths, who found fellowship at St. Francis Chapel to this day.
After 50 years of service in the Church, Uncle Ben retired. He mentions rife challenges and fears many people face amidst this transition: from financial struggles pre- and post-retirement to the question of livelihood as well as sustenance in the absence of monthly stipends. He mentions his wife and family of 5 children for whom he was concerned. Having lived on church property for most of his time as a clergyman, he did not have a residence of his own. Uncle Ben shares how his transition came suddenly, in contrast to the way he had originally anticipated it to be; affirming the notion that unprepared, retirement can quickly morph into an ordeal: a predicament in which many families unfortunately find themselves. His foresightedness to make preparations 10 years prior was prudent. Working with his wife to secure their own home ahead of time, he also planned the succession of his leadership; following the example of ‘Moses and Joshua in the Bible,’ priming his mentees to take after him as prospective Chaplains.
It was rather unfortunate that he did not receive any retirement benefits after his 50 years of service with the Church of Uganda, alongside 19 years as a chaplain. He mentions that it was a painful reality, as he did not have a great deal of money during this transition. Nonetheless, he was undaunted by the erratic nature of his circumstances as he had made prior preparations especially related to his family’s settlement which was a critical matter in his context.
From Uncle Ben’s footprints, we garner wisdom on the necessity of attributes like faith, perseverance, and responsibility. His journey portrays the essence of finding your gifts and creating change as a leader. but also sheds light on the unfortunate realities of the employment sector as a temporary income source from which we must all prepare to live independently. His journey teaches that transition comes to all men, therefore planning and setting priorities is significant. It also highlights the fact that teamwork is essential in leadership: no leader can face transition and emerge victorious alone. The people you surround yourself with will shape your outlook and response to change, just as he maintained faith and sought the counsel and assistance of his wife. Last but not least, Uncle Ben’s journey shows how leaders raise other leaders, and leave a legacy.
©Blurb written by Divine Karungi