Teso mourns the passing on of Bishop Ilukor

 BY GODFREY OJORE

Death has robbed Teso retired bishop of Soroti dioceses Gereshom Ilukor who died of a snake bite at his home in Codong, Kidongole sub-county in Bukedea.

He was bitten by a snake while sorting out bags of maize and sorghum to transport to his other home in Atutur.

The incident occurred on Friday morning. The snake was later killed and the Bishop was rushed to Mbale hospital for treatment.

 “He was to be discharged on Sunday because by Saturday he was fine but at night the condition changed and by 7:00am he was pronounced dead,” said Robert Apedel Odea the family spokesperson.

The news of his passing on was received with shock by the leaders in Teso who described his death as tragic.

“He was an elder of integrity, a peace makers and a man of all people,” said the paramount chief of Iteso Emorimor Augustine Osuban.

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Osuban explained that Ilukor will be remembered for his tireless efforts of restoring security in Teso after convincing the Iteso who took up arms to fight government to surrender.

Prof. Francis Omaswa said Teso has lost a pillar of unity who mediated several leaders in the region who had differences.

“It’s painful to loose such people in the community but I encourage people in Teso to remain strong and to pray for his family,” said Prof. Omaswa.

The body was transported to Mulago hospital for further treatment before it will be taken for burial on Saturday at St-Steven Anglican church in Kumi.

Odea said the late requested that he should be buried at the church. St- Stephen is few meters away from Kumi town.

Agnes Akiror; the state minister for tourism, told New Vision that the body was to be taken to All Saint Church for prayers.

“We are yet to meet on Monday as Iteso community in Kampala and we hope to take the body for prayers before the body leaves for Soroti,” Akiror said.

He served as the bishop of Soroti that by then consisted of Teso and Karamoja for 25 years.

He was succeeded by Dr. Charles Obaikol Ebitu who also retired after ten years of service and handed the mantle to Bishop George William Erwau.