Clare N
The body of Rev. Fr. Bernardine Nganzi 68, a diocesan priest has finally been laid to rest at St. John Mary Vianney Cemetery in Kijanju, Fort Portal City.
The funeral rites began with Holy Mass at Virika Cathedral, presided over by Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa and attended by hundreds of Christians, including priests, religious, and the mourning congregation.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Dr. Paschal Kabuura, Director of Bishop Magambo Counselling Training Institute, encouraged priests to avoid isolation particularly a tendency sometimes observed among the priests serving overseas and instead to live their priesthood in an African spirit of fraternity and mutual support.
Call for Africanacity
Drawing from the confusion experienced by the disciples after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Fr. Kabuura noted that death often brings fear, despair, and uncertainty within a bereaved community. He observed that the recent loss of several priests in the diocese could cause anxiety among both clergy and laity. However, he urged the faithful to turn to Christ in such moments, trusting in His promise to remain with His people.
Fr. Kabuura described the late Fr. Nganzi as a priest deeply committed to the pursuit of holiness and served the Church wholeheartedly through various apostolates, including the Pioneer Movement, Charismatic Renewal, devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, catechetical centers, and parish ministry.
He challenged the congregation to use their time on earth meaningfully by striving for holiness.
He also called on the faithful to support their priests not only by seeking their services but also by listening to them, accompanying them, and praying for them, especially during challenging times.
According to a medical report shared by Rev. Fr. John Tumuhairwe, Chancellor of Fort Portal Diocese, Fr. Nganzi passed away due to complications related to diabetes, high blood pressure, and colon cancer. He had also been living with heart-related challenges and relied on a ventricular assist device to support blood circulation.
Siblings commend his exemplary leadership
In their tribute, Fr. Stash Birungi, Mr. Aloysius Mugisa, and Ms. Betty Eribankya, siblings of the deceased, expressed gratitude to the Diocese of Fort Portal for the care given to their brother, particularly during his illness at Nsambya Hospital. They remembered him as a loving and responsible brother who cared for them deeply, especially in their younger years in the absence of their parents.
Bishop Muhiirwa, on his part urged priests to support and comfort one another in times of loss, but also emphasized the importance of prioritizing their health through regular medical check-ups.
Biography
Fr. Nganzi was born on February 6, 1958, in Ruteete, Kabarole District, to the late Mr. Benedicto Bitamazire and Mrs. Catarina Kanajungu. He was one of eight children and is survived by three siblings: Fr. Stash Birungi, Betty Eribankya, and Aloysious Mugisa.
He received his early formation at St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Fort Portal, and later studied at Katigondo Major Seminary and St. Mary’s National Major Seminary, Ggaba, Kampala.
He was ordained to the priesthood on August 7, 1988, by Rt. Rev. Serapio Magambo at Virika Cathedral. Throughout his ministry, Fr. Nganzi served in various parts of the diocese, including Yerya, Wekomiire, Mugalike Catechetical Training Centre in Hoima, Bugembe Holy Cross Parish, and St. Adolf Catechetical Centre in Kaihura. He also ministered abroad at Sacred Heart Parish and St. Lawrence Parish in Belleville, USA, and served as chaplain to the Banyatereza Sisters at Nkuruba Cenacle.
He sadly passed away in the wee hours of Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026, after serving the church for 38 years.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.