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Bishops, Bobi ask govt to investigate archbishop’s death
Late Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga with former presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine (right), at Rubaga Cathedral in January.
PHOTO/ABUBAKER LUBOWA
What you need to know:
- At Rubaga Cathedral, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, the National Unity Platform party leader, asked the government to explain the death.
A number of bishops and political leaders have tasked the government to make public the post mortem report of Archbishop of Kampala Cyprian Lwanga and explain the cause of his death.
The call comes amid growing suspicion that Archbishop Lwanga must have died in foul play.
Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa of Ankole Diocese yesterday said they are eagerly waiting for the postmortem report.
“His death was a shock and abrupt, we are now waiting for the post mortem report to help us and people understand what had gone wrong. This can give us more guidance on how to safeguard ourselves,” he said after the Easter Sunday service at St James Cathedral, Ruharo in Mbarara City.
In the east, Bishop Samuel George Bogere Egesa of Bukedi asked government to conduct thorough investigations into the death.
While delivering his Easter message at St Peter’s Cathedral in Tororo Municipality, Bishop Egesa said the cause of Archbishop Lwanga’s death should be concluded after proper investigations.
“It is sad to lose a servant of God, especially during this holy season, but we appeal that the government investigates his death,” he said.
At Namirembe Cathedral, Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira said the death of Archbishop Lwanga was a shock.
“Do you know that people are still questioning the death of our brother Dr Lwanga? They cannot imagine it was accident. I was in Kyankwanzi on Saturday and I received messages on social media announcing the death of Dr Lwanga, I thought people are still in the mood of April 1 [Fools day] until someone called me and confirmed to me the news. I started asking myself whether it was an accident, poison or any other form of death,” he said.
At Rubaga Cathedral, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, the National Unity Platform party leader, asked the government to explain the death.
He said the country has lost a number of high profile people, and that citizens’ suspicion will only be removed if the truth is known.
“It is such a tragedy that we have lost Dr Cyprian Lwanga. My message will go to not only the Christians, but all because what the Catholics are facing now, our brothers and sisters in Islam have been facing for a long time and indeed all Ugandans are facing,” Mr Kyagulanyi said.
“There is a very disturbing pattern in which outspoken eminent religious leaders have died in the recent past. We saw the sudden unexplained death of Sheikh [Nuhu] Muzata, we saw the death of Bishop Kagwa in Masaka and now yesterday the death of Dr Cyprian Kizito,” he added.
Asked if he suspects fould play and is questioning the death of Lwanga, Mr Kyagulanyi said he is standing up to speak on behalf of Ugandans how have witnessed what is happening.
“It is not only me, but I am speaking on behalf of all Ugandans who are questioning the cause of the death, not only of Cyprian Lwanga, but the death of all outspoken religious leaders that have not been explained,” he said.
Dr Lwanga’s death now only adds to the lost list of prominent Ugandans whose deaths have raised suspicions in the past. With inconclusive post mortem results so far, more questions are bound to come.
Dr Lwanga's burial plans
Monday, April 5: Mass at Rubaga Cathedral at 2pm
Tuesday: Mass at Kyabakadde (Lugazi Diocese) starting at midday
Wednesday: Funeral mass at Namugongo Catholic Shrine starting at 10am .
Thursday: Burial at Rubaga
By Franklin Draku, Andrew Bagala, Benson Tumusiime Rajab Mukombozi, Joseph Omollo, Micheal Woniala & Fred Wambede
