First Mukonzo Catholic priest buried in Kasese

By Wilson Asiimwe

The first Mukonzo to be ordained as a priest in the Catholic Church Msgr Augustine Muhindo has been buried at Nsenyi catholic parish in Kisinga sub-county.

The 87-year-old priest died Monday evening from respiratory failure at Kilembe hospital and was laid to rest on Thursday.

He had served the church since December 12, 1958 when he was ordained priest at Nsenyi.

Bishop Egidio Nkaijanabwo of Kasese catholic diocese, while presiding over the burial ceremony, described the senior priest as “a man who served God with a purpose of drawing Christians in the way of Jesus Christ”.

Msgr Muhindo was the oldest priest in Kasese district.

“We have lost a priest who has served Christ all his life but I would like to urge the people to promote unity because that has been his focus,” said Bishop Nkaijanabwo.

At the burial, Kasese district chairman Muhindo Mawa said the district council had already approved a motion to honor all the people who have contributed towards the development of the western Uganda district and those who have made history there.

He said that the deceased clergyman was to be honored during the upcoming May 1 Labor Day celebrations and that his certificate will be given to the bishop.

Mawa said that as the first priest to be ordained in Kasese, Msgr Muhindo inspired very many people to join priesthood and also contributed a lot towards the development of the Catholic church in the district.

“We were to honor this man on 1st May but he has gone but all the good things he has done will not be forgotten,” said Mawa.

He urged the young generation to stop copying the Western culture and instead preserve the African culture which he said is very important in development.