Priest dies in church after sermon

Priests carrying the casket containing the deceased's remains during the funeral service

Sunday December 3, will remain a sad day for Christians in Kamuganguzi Archdeaconry in the diocese of Kigezi.

This is mainly because of a strange incident that happened during a service that was led by Rev. Justus Twinomujuni, the archdeacon of Kamuganguzi.

Rev. Twinomujun collapsed shortly after delivering his sermon. The incident became tragic when Christians later learnt that he had died on the way to Rugarama Hospital.

Patience Tusiime, the church warden recalls how she escorted Twinomujuni to the pulpit to give a sermon.

"He preached about the word of God and its essence in the lives of Christians.  His sermon was centered on a scripture from Psalms 119:105-124. He encouraged us to increasingly read the Bible if we are to succeed in life," said Tusiime.

After the sermon, Twinomujuni stepped from the pulpit amidst a Tukutendereze hymn from the congregation that felt touched by the energetic sermon.

"He stood still for a few seconds and then fell," said Tusiime.

"He was rushed to his house which is just a few metres from the church. While there, he asked for a cup of water which was delivered. But this did not change anything," she added.

Some of the children eulogising their father

He was later taken to Rugarama Hospital where medics revealed that he had already passed on.

Back at Church, the service continued and Christians were told about his death immediately after the service.

The deceased had only served at the archdeaconry for one month and 27 days.

He had been serving as priest since his ordination in 1987.

Twinomujuni earlier on served as parish priest in Bucundura, Kamwezi, Kacere and Muko.

He replaced Rev. David Rurihona in the October transfer of priests by Bishop George Bagamuhunda of the Diocese of Kigezi. From a parish priest to an archdeacon,

His legacy

While addressing mourners during his funeral on Monday, Bishop Bagamuhunda asked Christians to reflect on the good deeds of the fallen priest by preparing their life journeys through promoting Christian values in their circles.

"He has served God fully until the end. We are not shocked that God took him the way it happened because none of us knows how our lives will end.

"This is, therefore, an appeal to all of us to keep alert and live within Christian values because any time we may see our lives ending," said Bagamuhunda.

The deceased's wife, Mauda Twinomujuni hailed her husband for his strong love for his family.

"He truly loved us. There is a time I got sick and went into coma. He was there for me. He loved our children too and has died after ensuring that all of them acquired a decent education," she said.