Northern Uganda bids farewell to iconic archdeacon Rev. Kidega

_______________

Thousands of Christians gathered on February 21, 2026, to bid farewell to the late Rev. Walter Kidega, former Archdeacon of Awach, who succumbed to kidney failure on January 10, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Lacor.

The atmosphere at his Kirombe home was one of deep reflection as speakers, led by Bishop Emeritus Nelson Onono Onweng, celebrated a man who rose from the humble villages of Lamwo to become a pillar of the Diocese of Northern Uganda.

Casket containing Rev Walter Kidega remains during the final service at his home in Kirombe village Gulu city. (Photo by Claude Omona)

From his legendary resilience as a student to his final breath, the Reverend’s life was described as a masterclass in hard work, humour and unwavering devotion to the Gospel.

From rat hunter to archdeacon

In a moving and often surprising tribute, Bishop Nelson Onono Onweng highlighted the determination that defined Kidega’s early life in Padibe, Lamwo district. He recounted how, as a young man, Kidega hunted and sold rats to pay his school fees.

“He was a hardworking man, and I remember a story he told me on how he used to hunt rats to sell to get his tuition for his studies,” said Bishop Onono.

This resilience followed him to Uganda Christian University from 1996 to 1999, where his mastery of traditional wisdom earned him the nickname 'Professor'.

Bishop Onono also shared a light-hearted memory of Kidega’s time in Kampala, where his cultural traditions, including roasting a rat for food, puzzled and later intrigued his Baganda neighbours, illustrating a man who was always unapologetically himself.

A legacy of humility and a father’s final command

The Reverend was remembered not only for his preaching but also for his profound personal character marked by rare humility. Bishop Onono emphasised that Kidega was a "real leader" who was “always remorseful and would always beg for forgiveness from his wife and everybody he has wronged.”

Mourners including Rev Matthew Ochaka of Christ Church in Gulu city during the sending off of Rev Walter Kidega. (Photo by Claude Omona)

This spirit of leadership was evident in his final moments at his home in Kirombe. His son, Emmanuel Ochola, shared that Kidega urged his children to "pray always and work very hard" to reach their goals.

Ochola noted that his father’s faith remained unshaken as he spent his final minutes asking the church to pray for his eternal peace and directing that his final resting place be his home in Kirombe village, Bardege-Layibi division.

A life devoted to the church and family

Born in 1956 and baptised in 1980, Rev. Kidega’s pastoral journey spanned more than four decades. He began as a Lay Reader in 1981 before eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Divinity and Theology from Uganda Christian University in 2012.

He served in various capacities, including Parish Priest of Christ Church, Vicar of St. Phillips Cathedral and Acting Archdeacon of Anaka.

Married to Josephine Kidega since 1988, he leaves behind eight children, 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Presiding over the service, Bishop Godfrey Luwum urged the congregation to draw inspiration from Kidega’s life, challenging them to emulate a man who truly believed God would always "make a way."