Byabazaire’s body gets huge reception in Hoima

A motorcade accompanying Bishop Byabazaire’s body moves through Hoima Town on Tuesday. Photo by Francis Mugerwa.

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Thousands of people from Bunyoro sub-region jam the streets of Hoima Town to pay homage to the fallen Bishop of Hoima Diocese.

Hoima- Many of them last saw him alive performing his episcopal duties but thousands of people from Bunyoro sub-region jammed the streets of Hoima Town to pay homage to the body of the fallen Bishop of Hoima Diocese, Deogratius Byabazaire, on Tuesday.

The 73-year-old Bishop succumbed to diabetes and high blood pressure on Saturday shortly after returning from India where he had gone for treatment.
His body was received at River Kafu, about 20 kilometres from Hoima Town, and driven in a motorcade of more than 50 cars. It arrived in Hoima Town at about 4pm.

The mourners, who included civil servants, politicians, religious leaders, elders and children, sang Church hymns while others brandished placards in praise of the services the Bishop rendered them.

Praises
Others, who could not hold back their tears, were seen kneeling, making the sign of the cross and praying as the body was driven past.

First Deputy Prime Minister Henry Muganwa Kajura, a brother to the deceased, said their family has lost a coordinator, a friend and a parent.

The Bishop of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese, the most Rev Nathan Kyamanywa, described the deceased as a peaceful man who served with humility.

Bishop Kyamanywa said Byabazaire was not only a fellow religious leader but also his personal friend and asked other priests to emulate his ways.

The deputy mayor, Mr Ronald Basiima, said the Bishop initiated various projects aimed at improving the lives of the ordinary people to enhance their incomes.
“He was a visionary leader who transformed communities with income generating projects,” Mr Basiima said.