Fallen Hoima bishop Byabazaire laid to rest

Hoima- The late Bishop of Hoima Diocese, Deogratias Byabazaire, has been buried at Bujumbura Cathedral in Hoima Town.

President Museveni, who was the chief mourner, described the 73-year-old fallen bishop as a fairly young man who had gone early.

He said the Bishop was a good shepherd who empowered people spiritually but also dedicated himself to poverty eradication.

The president challenged Christians and the people of Bunyoro to reflect on their contribution towards making the world a better place.

“The late bishop did spiritual and development work,” Mr Museveni said yesterday afternoon.
Bishop Byabazaire died on Saturday at Entebbe airport shortly after returning to Uganda from India where he had gone for treatment.

Leaders across the religious, political and cultural spectrums hailed the humility, simplicity and generosity of the deceased man of God.

The Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, Paul Bakyenga, who studied with the late Byabazaire, said besides being a humble and generous leader, the late Bishop was involved in helping people have harmony in their homes.

On December 8, 2009 Pope Benedict XVI appointed Mbarara’s Auxiliary Bishop Lambert Bainomugisha an apostolic administrator of Hoima diocese to help Bishop Byabazaire who was on sick leave.
Archbishop Bakyenga said Bishop Byabazaire first suffered a stroke in June 2005 during a conference of Catholic Bishops of East Africa at Colline Hotel in Mukono.

“He was taken to Nsambya Hospital in Kampala but since then his life had never been the same again” Archbishop Bakyenga said.

He added that the late bishop will be remembered for surrendering his life to God and being obedient despite having a rich family background.

“Thank you Bishop Byabazaire for being a model shepherd and showing us the way,” Bakyenga said.
“I urge fellow religious leaders and Christians to use your gifts to add value to society,” he added.
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