Arua Diocese

Oriagini Catholic Parish engulfed in an air of solemnity as mourners gathered to bid a sorrowful farewell to the late Reverend Father Kizito.

The requiem mass, led by the Rt.Rev.Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Bishop of Lira Diocese, took place at Oriajini Catholic Parish. Relatives, nuns, priests, and devout believers assembled to honor the memory of a man who selflessly devoted his life to the evangelization of the youth in Uganda's West Nile region.

Expressing his deep sorrow, Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok lamented the untimely loss of priests in the West Nile region, with the late Rev. Fr. Kizito Yando being the third tragic departure within a brief span of time. The Bishop spoke fondly of Fr. Kizito, praising his youthful spirit and unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel among the region's young people.

In his address, the Bishop implored the mourners to embrace God's will concerning Fr.Kizito's life and commemorate with grace the profound message he imparted throughout his existence. He urged the youth to follow in the footsteps of the departed Fr. Kizito, adopting him as an exemplary figure and dedicating their lives to serving as paternal figures to others.

Addressing the congregation, Bishop Sanctus conveyed, "My dear brothers and sisters, today, I stand united with the people of Lira and the entire Episcopal Conference of Uganda, bearing an immense burden of grief. The current circumstances in our lives here in West Nile have caused us profound anguish. This is the third young priest we have lost suddenly, leaving an indelible mark upon our hearts. Our Bishops in West Nile and our province have expressed their condolences. In fact. I was the only one remaining in our province when I received the distressing news. I had intended to visit the Eastern part of Lira, where the devastating effects of cattle rustling have caused countless individuals to flee, resulting in loss of life and property. However, I had to hastily rearrange my plans upon hearing of the untimely passing of my brother, Kizito a vibrant and dynamic priest who rallied the youth in West Nile. I entrusted my Vicar General to console the affected people while I came here to our beloved West Nile."

"My dear brothers and sisters, it is a profound source of pain whenever young, energetic individuals, who have undergone extensive preparations and have fully grasped the essence of evangelization, are suddenly taken from us. Fr. Kizito Yando's death has touched the lives of every single one of us in Uganda. As we gather here to thank God for the brief yet impactful life he led as a priest of the esteemed Diocese of Arua, let us now accept God's plan for his life and gracefully celebrate the meaningful messages he imparted to us, ensuring their practical application."

"Fr.Kizito gave his life to the evangelization of the youth, and his selfless dedication should not be in vain. Dear youth, it is now your responsibility to follow in the footsteps of Christ, emulating the example set by Fr. Kizito. Jesus Christ's message is crystal clear: we must sacrificially devote our lives to one another, giving ourselves for the benefit of those in need. We express our heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Kizito for walking alongside Christ in this noble cause of mobilizing and inspiring us. First and foremost, we must encounter Christ ourselves to effectively guide others. Those who have failed to truly meet Christ and have stagnated."