SHOCK AND SORROW AS REV. FR. DR. SYLVESTER ARINAITWE PASSES ON
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 Executive Secretary of the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC), a key ecumenical body that brings together major Christian denominations in Uganda.
In this capacity, he played a central role in:
Promoting Christian unity
Advocating for peace and justice
Guiding national dialogue on moral and social issues
His voice carried weight in both religious and public spheres, where he consistently called for integrity, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
Fr. Arinaitwe, who held a Doctorate (PhD), was also deeply committed to education and mentorship. He contributed to academic life and inspired many young people through his teaching and guidance.
In addition to his national responsibilities, Fr. Arinaitwe served as Assistant Chaplain to Kyanamira Parishioners in the Diaspora, and a member Priest of the Kigezi Kampala catholics Residents Association (KKCRA) ministering to faithful in Kampala, Entebbe, and Jinja.
In this role, he remained closely connected to his roots, offering spiritual support, guidance, and pastoral care to the community away from home.
His sudden passing has created a void in the Church and the nation at large.
Many remember him as:
A gentle shepherd
A bridge-builder across denominations
A defender of truth and moral values
Church leaders, colleagues, and faithful have described his death as a significant loss to the mission of unity and service he so passionately championed.
The Apostles of Jesus (AJ) are yet to release an official burial program.
The public, faithful, and all well-wishers are advised to await formal communication regarding funeral arrangements and final rites.
As the nation mourns, Fr. Arinaitwe will be remembered for a life faithfully lived in service to God and humanity.
His legacy of unity, humility, and courage will endure in the hearts of those he served.
🕊️ May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace