Episcopal Press and News

UGANDA: Rwenzori bishop killed in motor accident

Episcopal News Service. February 17, 2010 [021710-02]

ENS staff

The Anglican Church of Uganda is mourning the loss of Bishop Patrick Kyaligonza of Rwenzori, who died in a motor accident last week less than one year after his consecration, according to reports.

"We thank God that we have a person to pray for and remember. In life people come and go. We shall always remember the legacy left behind," Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi said on Feb. 15 during a visit to Uganda Christian University, where Kyaligonza had studied theology.

Retired Ugandan Archbishop Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo, according to a news report on allAfrica.com, described Kyaligonza's death as a tragic experience that was hard to explain. "But we thank God for his life. He was a committed bishop gifted with preaching," Nkoyoyo said, adding that the church had lost a great leader.

Orombi led a short prayer for Kyaligonza and asked God to strengthen the late bishop’s family during this challenging period, the report said. The archbishop was attending the university for a ground-breaking ceremony for its library.

Professor Stephen Noll, vice chancellor of Uganda Christian University, described Kyaligonza as a "brilliant student who was inspirational to others," the report said.

The accident occurred on Fort Portal Road near Kyenjojo. The bishop was traveling with his wife Rose Kabahita Mujungu and chaplain Moses Tembo, both of whom sustained serious injuries and were admitted to hospital.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident three further bishops were injured on the same road while they were traveling to Kyaligonza's funeral service. Bishops Patrick Gidudu of Mbale, Augustine Salimo of Sebei and Daniel Gimadu of North Mbale were rushed to hospital Feb. 16 after the vehicle they were traveling in crashed, according to the Daily Monitor.

Amanda Onapito, communications director for Church of Uganda, said Gimadu's wife died instantly, the report said.