By Nasser Kasozi Akandwanaho
Government has announced that it has offered an official burial to the late Metropolitan Archbishop Jonah Lwanga who died aged 76 on Sunday evening.
The Minister for Information and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, said during a mass in memory of Archbishop Lwanga at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church that President Museveni condoled with the orthodox fraternity for the death of “our friend Jonah Lwanga.”
“The President also sent us to convey a message that government shall accord an official burial to Archbishop,” Dr Baryomunsi said.
The minister told the faithful that the burial day and when the remains would be returned from Athens, Greece, where the Orthodox leader died would be announced after a meeting between the family, church leaders and government officials.
“We feel the pain. As believers this is the journey we have to take, we have lost a senior colleague, a fellow leader. Government is with you in these difficult times when we have lost the dear one,” Baryomunsi said.
Lwanga’s official burial will be the second of a church leader after one in April of the late Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.
With an official burial, it means government will cater for all expenses and accord a gun salute to the deceased leader of the Orthodox Church.
Dr Baryomunsi told mourners that the President and his Cabinet were saddened by news of the passing on of the Archbishop because he had been one of the strongest spiritual leaders.
“Government enjoys good relationship with all faith and NRM cherishes the freedom of worship. We will continue with our good relations,” Dr Baryomunsi said.
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