‘Our time is also coming’: Soroti bishop calls for spiritual readiness
The bishop said Fr Etwap had fought a good fight and returned to his Father in heaven, urging Christians to remain firm in their faith.
Bishop Eciru asked Christians to remember Fr Etwap in three ways: through gratitude, prayer and action. (Credit: Juliet Akello)
SOROTI - The Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Joseph Eciru Oliach, has urged Christians mourning the death of Rev. Fr Romanus Etwap to prepare themselves spiritually, reminding them that their own time to leave this world will also come.
Bishop Eciru made the call on September 6, 2026, during a requiem Mass for Fr Etwap at Father Hilders Primary School prayer grounds in Soroti city.
Thousands of Christians, Catholic clergy, political leaders and other mourners gathered to honour the late priest, who died on September 2, 2026, after sustaining injuries in a road crash on the Soroti-Mbale Highway.
“Even in the midst of sorrow, we must stand for Jesus, in His power and in His strength. Let us organise ourselves because our time is also coming,” Bishop Eciru told the mourners.
He urged Christians not to allow Fr Etwap's death to overwhelm them with grief, but instead to use it as a reminder to prepare for their own eternal journey.
The bishop said Fr Etwap had fought a good fight and returned to his Father in heaven, urging Christians to remain firm in their faith.
He said Christians who had spent the past seven years with Fr Etwap at Immaculate Conception Parish should ensure that the priest's teachings continue to make a difference in their lives.
Fr Etwap served the Catholic Church for 24 years and spent seven years as parish priest of Immaculate Conception Parish.
During his ministry, he preached the Gospel, celebrated Masses, counselled Christians and helped reconcile families.
“He showed us the way to Jesus. So do not let your hearts be troubled. Fr Romanus has gone back to his Father in heaven,” Bishop Eciru said.
Bishop Eciru asked Christians to remember Fr Etwap in three ways: through gratitude, prayer and action.
First, he urged Christians to be grateful to God for Fr Etwap's life and the ministry he offered to the Church.
He described the late priest as a simple man who dedicated himself to serving God and his people.
Secondly, he asked Christians to pray for Fr Etwap, saying the late priest should continue to be remembered in their prayers.
Thousands of Christians, Catholic clergy, political leaders and other mourners gathered to honour the late priest, who died on September 2, 2026, after sustaining injuries in a road crash on the Soroti-Mbale Highway. (Credit: Juliet Akello)
Thirdly, he urged Christians to live by the teachings Fr Etwap preached, saying his legacy should not end with his burial.
Bishop Eciru also noted that Fr Etwap died with his rosary, describing it as a sign of his devotion to his faith and priestly ministry.
He said Christians should therefore not simply mourn the priest, but practise the faith he taught while he was alive.
The requiem Mass was attended by Soroti City East MP Moses Atan Okia, former Soroti City East mayor Paul Omer, Amuria Woman MP Margret Etilu, former fisheries state minister Hellen Adoa and former Serere Woman MP, among other leaders.
Okia described Fr Etwap as a family member who encouraged him throughout his political career.
He said the priest's death had also highlighted the need for urgent action to improve road safety along the Soroti-Mbale Highway.
He also renewed calls for the construction of a bypass in Soroti to reduce congestion and road crashes.
He urged motorists and drivers of heavy vehicles to park off the main road and use the roads for their intended purpose.
Former Soroti City East mayor Paul Omer described Fr Etwap as a dedicated servant of God whom he often consulted during his political career.
Omer said the priest encouraged him to work closely with Christians and remain committed to serving the community.
Christians from Immaculate Conception Parish also remembered Fr Etwap as a priest who loved Christians and served without discrimination.
Mother accepts son's death
Fr Etwap's mother, Margret Acom, said she had accepted the death of her son, saying God gives life and has the power to take it away.
She urged Christians to remain prayerful and continue praying for the Church and the departed priest.
As the Catholic community in Teso prepares to lay Fr Etwap to rest on Tuesday, September 8, Bishop Eciru's message has challenged the faithful to look beyond mourning and prepare themselves for their own eternal journey.
His message was simple: be grateful for Fr Etwap's life, pray for him and, above all, live the faith he preached.