St. Kagwa Parish, Mbarara Archdiocese office closed as priest succumbs to COVID-19

Mbarara Archciocese has announced closure of St. Kagwa Parish community, including the parish church where Rev.  Fr. Irenaeus Karenzi has been living and working following his death due to COVID-19

The priests and other residents will be in self isolation for a period of two weeks, while Christians are advised to use the neighboring parishes and churches for sacraments and other services.

Also, offices at Nyamitanga hill (Archbishop, administration and parish) will be closed from the public for one week, while the Cathedral will remain open for liturgical services.

Fr. Karenzi who is slated to be buried today, succumbed to Covid 19 on Friday and will be buried today. Consequently, his burial will be conducted under strict adherence to SOPs.

The Archdiocese also appealed to the Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Mbarara and people of good will to strictly adhere to the provided guidelines in order to prevent spread of Covid 19.

“We appreciate your prayers and support during these trying moments. Let us trust in God our ultimate protector as St. Paul advises us; whether we live or die we do it for Christ” the notice reads.

Fr. Karenzi becomes the second priest in the Archdiocese to die in the space of one week, following the passing of Rev. Fr. Pascal Rukooko who died early last week.

Fr. Karenzi’s body was not brought inside the Cathedral and only his picture was displayed during the requiem Mass.