Archbishop of Kampala Paul Semogerere to Lead Solemn Requiem as Faithful Honor the Life and Legacy of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Arinaitwe Rwomukubwe tomorrow at Nsambya Cathedral Parish at 6pm.

Family Vigil Mass for Rev. Fr. Sylvester Arinaitwe Rwomukubwe Held in Namungoona, Kampala
A solemn yet faith-filled vigil Mass for the late Rev. Fr. Sylvester Arinaitwe Rwomukubwe was held on Tuesday evening in Namungoona, Kampala, drawing together family members, clergy, religious, and faithful from across Uganda and beyond. The gathering reflected both deep sorrow and profound gratitude for a life dedicated to God and humanity.

The Mass was presided over by Fr. Bwije, with several priests concelebrating, including Fr. Tarsisio Mucunguzi (AJ), Fr. Innocent Young, and Fr. Innocent Kanyesigye. The vigil formed part of ongoing funeral rites honoring a priest widely described as humble, compassionate, and deeply committed to his calling.

In his homily, Fr. Innocent Kanyesigye delivered a message centered on faith, resilience, and trust in God amidst grief. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, he reminded mourners that human life is inherently incomplete and marked by trials.
“As long as we are still alive, we cannot have everything beautiful,” he said. “We must remain strong, courageous, and steadfast as men and women of faith.”
He reflected on the Beatitudes, emphasizing that being “poor in spirit” signifies a deep hunger and thirst for God’s word and the humility to entrust everything to Him. In comforting the grieving congregation, he urged them to recognize God’s presence even in sorrow.
“As we cry, we must remember that we are in God’s hands. Let us not be consumed by despair but instead seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” he added.
Fr. Kanyesigye further anchored his message in the Easter season, reminding the faithful of Christ’s victory over death.
“Jesus is above death and life. He has authority over both. That is where our faith lies,” he said, calling on mourners to entrust the soul of the departed priest to God’s eternal embrace.

The vigil was marked by heartfelt tributes from fellow priests who described Fr. Sylvester as a spiritual father, mentor, and friend.
Fr. Innocent Young described him as “a special gift God had given to us,” while Fr. Innocent Kanyesigye spoke emotionally about his personal journey under the late priest’s guidance.
“He was a parent to me,” Fr. Kanyesigye said. “He led me to the priesthood and desired that I become a priest of the Apostles of Jesus. I have traveled for 27 hours from Tanzania to pay my last respects, and I pledge 100 Masses for his soul.”
Fr. Tarsisio Mucunguzi (AJ), who described himself as the “last-born in Fr. Sylvester’s priesthood,” praised him as a guardian and teacher of humility, love, and acceptance. Currently serving in Turkana, Kenya, Fr. Mucunguzi traveled by road to attend the vigil, underscoring the late priest’s far-reaching influence.

Religious sisters also paid tribute, highlighting Fr. Sylvester’s impact on education, pastoral care, and spiritual formation.
Sr. Bonny Ngabirano recalled working closely with him over many years, describing him as a hardworking priest whose mentorship contributed to her becoming headteacher of St. Kizito Primary School, Bugolobi.
“He loved peace and lived it. He has died in peace,” she said, encouraging the family to remain strong and prayerful.
Sr. Tumukunde remembered him as a down-to-earth and attentive priest who shared in both the joys and struggles of the people he served.
“He listened to those who were suffering and rejoiced with those who were happy,” she said, visibly moved. “Even though we are told not to cry, I cannot hold back my tears.”

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Lucian Katwesigye recounted the shocking moments leading to the confirmation of Fr. Sylvester’s death.
He narrated how he had been in contact with the priest during his journey from Kabale to Kampala, only to later receive devastating news from the regional superior while in Mpigi.
“It was a big shock. From Mpigi to Kampala, I received nearly 50 calls,” he said. The following day, he traveled with other family members to Jinja, where they confirmed the death at the mortuary.

Fr. Bwije, speaking on behalf of the children, shared touching personal memories that painted Fr. Sylvester as a loving and unifying father figure.
He recalled a recent Easter message from the late priest that, in hindsight, seemed like a farewell. He also shared how Fr. Sylvester supported him during his priesthood journey, even giving him his first pair of trousers for his ordination.
“Fitting in his shoes is not easy,” Fr. Bwije said. “He taught us to be responsible citizens and brought us together as a family.”
He fondly remembered the priest’s love for cultural songs and his efforts to instill values of unity and responsibility among the younger generation.

Dr. Raphael Arinaitwe, speaking on behalf of friends, offered a deeply reflective account of a friendship that spanned decades.
Tracing their relationship back to the 1970s, he recounted shared experiences in seminary life, professional journeys, and personal milestones, including how Fr. Sylvester played a role in his marriage.
“He was the first person I told about my plans to marry. Since then, he has remained my brother and friend,” Dr. Raphael said.
He described the late priest as determined, dedicated, and deeply connected to those around him.
“Fr. Sylvester went to sleep and never came back. It was a peaceful death, but shocking to all of us,” he added.

The Kigezi Kampala Catholic Residents Association (KKCRA), where Fr. Sylvester served as patron, has taken a leading role in organizing parts of the funeral arrangements. The association is mobilizing  resources to ensure he receives a dignified send-off befitting his service and legacy.

According to the organizing team, the body of Fr. Sylvester Arinaitwe will be transported from Jinja to Nsambya Parish in Kampala. A requiem Mass will be led by the Archbishop of Kampala at 6:00 PM.
Members of the Kampala community will have an opportunity to view the body at the Nsambya Multipurpose Hall, where it will lie overnight. KKCRA is working closely with the Apostles of Jesus congregation to coordinate the Mass and related activities.

Throughout the vigil, a consistent theme emerged: Fr. Sylvester Arinaitwe Rwomukubwe was more than a priest—he was a mentor, a father, a teacher, and a symbol of humility and peace.
As the faithful continue to mourn, they are also reminded of his enduring legacy—one rooted in faith, service, and love for humanity.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Popular posts from this blog

Kigezi Kampala Residents Raise over UGX 121 Million to build a new home- Bishop Rubaramira Launches Construction of the New Sonde Home.

Image
Kigezi Kampala Residents Raise over UGX 121 Million to build a new home- Bishop Rubaramira Launches Construction of the  New Sonde Home. Sonde–Namugongo, February 15, 2026  The Kigezi Kampala Catholic Residents Association (KKCRA) has raised over  UGX 121 million today during the climax of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) 2025, marking a major milestone toward the construction of its permanent home in Sonde, Namugongo. In 2025 the Bishop of Kabale Diocese,  decentralized the  Bishop's Annual Appeal Fund Project according each parish in the Diocese an opportunity to identify and earmark a project for its development. The fundraising event, held during the Bishop’s pastoral visit to the KKCRA community attracted members from across the 43 parishes  of Kabale Diocese residing in Kampala and other surrounding areas. The funds will kick-start construction works on the 4 acre land  that is set to host a multipurpose hall, recreation gardens...
Read more

SHOCK AND SORROW AS REV. FR. DR. SYLVESTER ARINAITWE PASSES ON

Image
SHOCK AND SORROW AS REV. FR. DR. SYLVESTER ARINAITWE PASSES ON. A heavy cloud of grief has engulfed the catholic faithful and the wider Ugandan community following the shocking and untimely death of Rev. Fr. Dr. Sylvester Arinaitwe Rwomukubwe, a devoted priest of the Apostles of Jesus (AJ) and a respected National religious leader. The sad news, confirmed by WOMESAM, has left Christians across the country in deep mourning, as tributes begin to pour in for a man widely regarded as a humble servant, a unifier, and a fearless voice of moral conscience. Fr. Arinaitwe hailed from Rubira Village, Kyanamira Parish in Kabale Diocese, where his journey of faith first took root. He later joined the Apostles of Jesus, dedicating his life to missionary service and the proclamation of the Gospel in 1986 at Rushoroza Cathedral. Throughout his priesthood, he distinguished himself as a compassionate pastor, touching lives both within Uganda and beyond. Fr. Arinaitwe served as E...
Read more

Fr. Tibemanya Urges Faithful to Use Resources Wisely at KKCRA September Mass.

Image
KKCRA September Mass at Namugongo Animated by Rubanda Deanery NAMUGONGO, UGANDA — September 21, 2025 The Kigezi Kampala Catholic Residents Association (KKCRA) community today gathered for their monthly Holy Mass at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo. The Mass was led by Fr. Tibemanya Ireneus, Dean of Rubanda Deanery, with co-celebrant priests, and animated by the faithful of Rubanda Deanery. In his homily, Fr. Tibemanya emphasized the need for prayer, justice, and faithfulness to God amidst the growing challenges in society. He cautioned families against letting money divide them, noting that “what truly lasts is not profits or power, but justice, prayer, and faithfulness to God.” Drawing on the first reading from Prophet Amos, he condemned societal inequalities and dishonest practices, while calling Christians to remain steadfast in prayer. Reflecting on the Gospel (Luke 16:1-13), Fr. Tibemanya explained that Jesus commends th...
Read more