Pastor collapses, dies

Michael Muwonge Ateesa

A senior pastor at the Katwe based Glory Church International, on January 10 collapsed in the bathroom and died on arrival at the hospital.

Michael Muwonge Ateesa was pronounced dead on arrival at Mengo hospital where he had been rushed for medical attention.

Speaking to Daily Monitor, Pastor Emmanuel Muwanguzi said the deceased was getting ready to go to town when he collapsed.

“He was found by one of the church members, his eyes where wide open and we got a vehicle and rushed him to Mengo hospital where the doctors examined him and said he was dead,” Muwanguzi said.

According to pastor Muwanguzi, pastor Muwonge was once diagnosed with blood clot after he collapsed in America about three years ago.

He travelled back to Uganda about five months ago after a spell of three years in America since the doctors had barred him from flying.

However, according to pastor Muwanguzi, Muwonge had not undergone any medical check-up since his return.

“We think it’s that clot that might have caused the collapse and his sudden death,” Pastor Muwanguzi said.

Police pathologist, Dr Moses Byaruhanga said pastor Muwonge collapsed and died after suffering a blood clot in the lungs.

“The clot blocked supply of oxygen to the blood, causing the heart to stop before he collapsed,” Dr Byaruhanga explained.

Pastor Muwonge was scheduled to fly back to USA on Tuesday next week.

At the time of his death, he was paying school fees for over 60 students both at primary and secondary levels.

Pastor Muwonge had 47 branches of Glory Church International in the country and another on in San Diego, California in USA.

Fellow pastors described him as a man of faith who never believed any limitations could stand in his way.

The body is still with the Mengo based A-Plus funeral services awaiting his burial in Kasubi near Lugazi next week.