By Emar Okanokodi & Emmy Ojara
Tributes have been coming in for the Reverend Benjamin Ojwang, the retired Bishop of Kitgum Diocese who passed on yesterday morning at Kirudi hospital in Kampala. He was 67.
Ojwang was transferred from Gulu Main Hospital two weeks ago where he had been receiving treatment on and off.
Wilson Kitara, Ojwang’s successor urged Christians to pray for the bereaved family
“Bishop Benjamin Ojwang passed on this morning from Mulago hospital – Kirundi. Pray for us and the family for strength and descend sendoff”
Bishop Ojwang was installed as the second Bishop of Kitgum Diocese in 2002 replacing McLeod Baker Ochola.
The Bishop’s health started deteriorating after his forcefully retirement from office in 2014 at 65. It followed his bickering with parishioners and clergies over his leadership style.
He later sued Church of Uganda and the then Archbishop, the Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali over unfair removal from office. This left Kitgum Diocese without a Bishop for two years. Ntagali has himself since retired from office.
Ojwang handed over office in 2017 after court asked him to settle for an out of court negotiation culminating into the enthronement of Rev Wilson Kitara, the incumbent Kitgum Bishop.
Tributes have been pouring in from Christians since his death related to diabetes, high blood pressure and an earlier stroke suffered which had made him unable to speak or recognized people.
The Bishop’s body will be moved from Kirudi hospital to Namirembe where it will be treated and dressed before being transferred to Gulu army barracks hospital for preservation awaiting funeral arrangements.
Rev. William Ongeng, the Church of Uganda Provincial Secretary on Monday posted on the Church`s social page that the burial arrangement will be communicated.
Tributes
“Sad news indeed! May the Good Lord grant the family and all of us strength during this difficult time. May his soul RIP!” CD Oketayot Lowila, Woman MP for Pader said.
“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. Wonwa Bishop Benjamin! May your humble soul find rest with the Lord” Okeny Charity.
“May God give strength to the immediate family and the entire church as we mourn the death of Bishop Ojwang” Oginga Odinga Robinson
“May we all find solace in Christ and his memory be a blessing” Reverend Nicholas Komakech
“Very unfortunate really, may the Good Lord console the family in this trying moment and may his precious soul rest in eternal peace. AMEN” Irene Ochora
