Sr Lilly Driciru hailed for her courage and devotion

______________

LIRA - The family and the catholic community in the Northern Uganda region have described the death of Rev. Sister Mary Lilly Driciru as a big loss in the field of human rights advocacy.

Sr Dirciru, 61, who worked as the Editor of the Leadership Magazine and Radio Pacis in Arua, respectively, died when the motorcycle she was travelling on collided with a truck on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Yumbe town.

Sr Draciru was a member of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church MSMMC passed on barely two months after she was already entrusted with an assignment to Canada to open a new community.

Bishops Wanok, Odama and Eibu laying a wreath on the casket of Sr Driciru. (Credit: Joseph Ekol)

Lira Catholic bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok, as the main celebrant, on Thursday, November 13, led mourners during the funeral at the Congregation’s Mother’s House in Ngetta-Lira City.

Bishop Wanok described her as a courageous and devoted person, especially in her efforts to track and protect the victims of human trafficking in the community.

Archbishop Emeritus of Gulu, John Baptist Odama and Bishop Domenic Eibu of Kotido Diocese were co-celebrants among other religious leaders.

Rev. Sr Mary Lilly Driciru. (Credit: Joseph Ekol)

Rev. Sr Liberata Mandahwun, the Superior General of the (MSMMC), said the deceased was a devoted missionary who was always ready for service and willing to take on any responsibility entrusted to her.

“She actively participated in advocating for the rights of the vulnerable members of society, especially victims of trafficking in person and paved the way for the prevention of trafficking,” Sr. Mandahwun eulogised.

‎The Superior explained that by the time of her death, the deceased was preparing to go back to Canada to start the new congregation of MSMMC.

Dr Mandua Jacinto, the foster parent who spoke for the family, for the 46 years, their daughter served as a religious, describing her as someone of a very great character, who did great things not only for the people of West Nile, but the nations, region and internationally.

“Two months ago, she came to us in Kampala and informed us of her flight to Canada, and this created excitement among the members of the family who had planned to organise for her a big farewell, but unfortunately, that was our last time to see her,” Dr Mandua narrated.

‎He said their daughter has touched the lives of many people and cannot be compensated in material terms, because of that, they have forgiven the person who caused the accident that led to her death.‎

‎‎Fr John Bosco Kamuga, the Association of Religious in Uganda, said Sr. Draciru touched many lives as she was serving as a communications officer at the Association.

“She would not only write the stories but be part of the story herself. She will be remembered for her dedication,” Fr Kamuga said in his written eulogy.

‎"Rev. Sr Driciru is a journalist who communicated the message with truth and impartiality", Fr Pichio Epiphany, the Superior General of Jesus the Divine Master priestly congregation, described the deceased.

Late Sr a born of Mnibe village, Aroi division in Arua, joined the MSMMC in 1979 at 1 year as a novitiate. She served as a teacher at St Mary Assumpta SS-Pakele.

Pursuing her journalism career, she worked as the sub-editor of Nile Panorama, Arua News, and Editor of the Leadership Magazine, Radio Pacis in Arua and as coordinator of the committee of Anti-human trafficking at the Association of Religious in Uganda secretariat.