Former UJCC secretary Fr Dr Arinaitwe passes on
According to the secretary of UJCC, Fr Daniel Musiitwa, the sudden death of Fr Arinaitwe, who was 70 years old, came as a shock as he was found dead in his bed.
Former executive secretary of the Uganda Joint Christian Council, Fr Dr Sylvester Arinaitwe Rwomukubwe. (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)
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The Catholic Church in Uganda is mourning the death of former executive secretary of the Uganda Joint Christian Council, Fr Dr Sylvester Arinaitwe Rwomukubwe (AJ).
According to the secretary of UJCC, Fr Daniel Musiitwa, the sudden death of Fr Arinaitwe, who was 70 years old, came as a shock as he was found dead in his bed.
Fr Arinaitwe, a member of the Apostles of Jesus Congregation in Jinja, passed away on April 19, 2026.
Fr Musiitwa said that during his tenure at UJCC, he played a crucial role in strengthening ecumenical collaboration among Christian denominations.
He championed dialogue, reconciliation and collective responsibility, helping to shape national discourse on governance, social justice and moral values.
Fr Musiitwa added that, according to the information available so far, a requiem Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 22, at St Peter’s Catholic Parish in Nsambya at 6 pm.
The burial will take place at his congregation’s priests’ cemetery in Nakaseke on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Fr Dr Arinaitwe Rwomukubwe (AJ) was a native of Rubira village in Kyanamira parish, Kabale Diocese.
Fr Arinaitwe, a devoted priest of the Apostles of Jesus, died unexpectedly while still actively serving the Church.
At the time of his death, he was the director of the Apostles of Jesus Retreat Centre in Jinja, where he was widely known for nurturing spiritual growth, mentoring clergy and laity, and promoting reflective Christian living.
He faithfully served the Church with humility, dedication and unwavering commitment to God’s people, particularly as caretaker of Kyanamira parishioners in the diaspora across Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja.
His tireless pastoral care, spirit of unity and deep faith leave behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire many.
His passing is a profound loss to the Church, the community and the nation at large, and Christians have united in prayer for the repose of his soul as burial arrangements continue.
He will also be remembered for his significant contributions to the Church and as a member of the Faculty of Education at Karamoja Peace and Technology University.
He was born on March 2, 1956, in Rubira village in Kabale Diocese. He began his priesthood and missionary journey in 1986.