By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
MBARARA
The Catholic Church in Mbarara is in mourning following the death of Fr. Longinus Katabarwa, who passed away this afternoon at Divine Mercy Hospital in Mbarara City. Fr. Katabarwa had been undergoing treatment at the facility prior to his passing.
“This is extremely sad! Fr fought against Nyakishojwa Parish’ land grabbing and promoted farming at the parish. May God strengthen the family and Grant eternal rest to his soul,” CPA Ahimbisibwe eulogized Fr. Katabarwa in a parish WhatsApp group.
Ordained to priesthood on July 28th, 1990, Fr. Katabarwa, a long-serving priest in the Mbarara Archdiocese, ministered at various parishes, including Nyakishojwa Parish in Mitooma District and Rushanje Parish in Rwampara District.
Rev. Fr. Mukasa Balikuddembe, the Chancellor of Mbarara Archdiocese, confirmed the Priest’s death.
According to burial arrangements, Fr. Katabarwa’s remains will be brought to Mbarara Archdiocese headquarters at Nyamitanga cathedral for a vigil on Wednesday, January 22, at 3pm for viewing of the body and silent prayer, followed by Mass at 4pm and viewing of the body inside the cathedral from 5:30-6pm.
There will be a vigil and holy Mass celebrations in honor of the deceased from 9pm to 11pm in the Nyamitanga Administration chapel.
A fourth mass, according to the funeral program will be celebrated on Thursday, January 23, in the morning in the administration chapel.
Fr. Katabarwa will be laid to rest on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Nyamitanga Cathedral Cemetery. The burial will be preceded by a funeral Mass at Nyamitanga Cathedral starting at 11 a.m.
Fr. Katabarwa is known for fighting land grabbing of the church land as recalls CPA Fred Ahimbisibwe, a Christian t one of the parishes where the deceased served as a priest.
“This is extremely sad! Fr fought against Nyakishojwa Parish’ land grabbing and promoted farming at the parish. May God strengthen the family and Grant eternal rest to his soul,” CPA Ahimbisibwe eulogized Fr. Katabarwa in a parish WhatsApp group.
May his soul rest in peace.
