Christians urged on forgiveness, reconciliation

OBITUARY

KAMPALA - Drawing his sermon from the book of Ecclesiastes chapter three, Rtd Rev. Bishop Charles Odurkami, called on Christians to forgive those who wrong them because their time on earth is short.



He said being sojourners on earth, a time will come when each of them will die but noted that ‘it is important to die when you have forgiven' all who wronged them.

He was speaking at a requiem mass held at Bugolobi Church of Uganda-the church of the resurrection, for the late Mary Joyce Lawil Luwum, wife to the late Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Janan Luwum.

Drawing examples from the forgiving nature of Luwum and his widow, Rev. Odurkami called on Christians to forgive and reconcile with those who wrong them so that they have peace during the short the Lord has given them on earth.

Minister of Public Service Muruli Mukasa lays a wreath at the casket of the late Mary Luwum

 
He gave an example of how Mrs. Luwum embraced the Kakwa and readily forgave them for the Acts of their tribemate, Idi Amin.

"She died after forgiving those who wronged her family. I am sure she is with the Lord and has reunited with her husband," he said.

Mrs. Luwum died at the age of 92 on August 6, at International Hospital Kampala. She succumbed to adrenal cancer.  Her body will be buried on August 17, at St. Paul Wii Gweng, Mucwini, Kitgum district.

She is survived by three brothers, seven children, 17 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren.

The grandchildren of the late Mary Luwum attending the funeral service

 
Odurkami also urged Christians to use their little time on earth fruitfully. Using the parable of the talents, he said everyone should be ready to account for how they spent the time God gave them on earth.

Mrs. Luwum was eulogized by her family, friends and the Church as a woman of unwavering faith, who despite the murder of her husband, remained rooted in the Church and her faith.

"Ordinarily she should have died of grief and worry but because she knew the Lord, He became her stronghold," Odurkami said.

Left to right: Public Service Commission Chairperson, Ralph Ochan, Deputy Chief Justice Owiny Dollo, Minister for Public Service Muruli Mukasa and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryema, among other mourners

 
Olara Otunnu, the former Uganda People's Congress party president, described her faith as unshakable and akin to the Christians of the early church.

On top of her faith, Otunnu said she knew who she was and did all within her powers to promote and protect her culture.

He said when traditional musical instruments were to be banned from the church, she stood her ground and insisted on having them used in the church because they too are gifts from God.

Her daughter Juliet Acheng Adriko, said even while in exile in Kisumu, she remained active in the church activities there.

Mrs. Luwum will receive a state burial as per the directives of President Yoweri Museveni. Minister of Public Service, Muruli Mukasa said that the president made the directive in order to give honour and dignity to her contribution to the country and the Church.

The burial arrangements have been covered by the government and she will be laid to rest on August 17, at St. Paul Wii Gweng, Mucwini in Kitgum district.