Clare N
The remains of the Rev. Fr. Josaphat Isingoma Kansiime Amooti,68 who succumbed to high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer at Nsambya Hospital, have been laid to rest at St. John Mary Vianney Cemetery at the Bishop’s Residence in Kijanju, Fort Portal City.
Mourners, among them relatives, priests, religious men and women, and the laity, earlier gathered at Virika Cathedral to honor the late priest, eulogizing him as a humble, down-to-earth servant of God whose love for environmental protection and education touched many.
Sickness unto death
In his homily, Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, the Ordinary of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, reflected on the theme “Sickness Unto Death,” encouraging Christians to entrust their lives to Christ in all circumstances, because he is the source of our hope and strength.
The Bishop, revealed that Fr. Josaphat had spent four months and one week at Nsambya Hospital, where he received treatment for hypertension, cancer, and diabetes under the care of four doctors. He noted that during his 39 years of priesthood, Fr. Josaphat served the diocese in various capacities parish priest, curate, teacher, and more always with patience, humility, and a sense of humor.
Bishop Muhiirwa, observed that long-term illnesses such as cancer and diabetes can lead to depression and reduce a person’s lifespan an issue increasingly affecting the nation. He emphasized the need for all people to reflect on their lifestyle, prioritize regular medical checkups, balance work and rest, and save for old age as a way of reducing stress and avoiding depression.
He asked believers to pray for two more priests with critical health, at Nsambya, Msgr Peter Kumaraki and Fr Joseph Kalenzi.
Relatives from the Basaigi clan, led by Patrick Ategeka, expressed gratitude to the diocese for caring for Fr. Isingoma both in times of joy and in sickness.
Hon. Nyakato Dorothy Nzibonera, Kitagwenda Woman MP, revealed that the country had lost a committed educationist, environmentalist, and law-abiding citizen. She thanked the parishioners of Kicwamba for turning up in large numbers, and the diocese for standing by Fr. Josaphat until his final moments.
According to the biography read by Rev. Fr. John Tumuhairwe Abboki, Chancellor of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Fr. Josaphat Isingoma Kansiime belonged to the Basaigi clan and was born to the late Joseph Kamya and Amelia Kabalaya of Kijibe Village, Kyaka, Wekomiire Parish. His education journey included Kisambya Primary School, St. Leo’s College Kyegobe, Katigondo Major Seminary, Ggaba National Major Seminary, Mountains of the Moon University, and Namugongo Spiritual Formation Center.
Fr. Josaphat was ordained a priest on September 7, 1986, by Bishop Serapio Bwemi Magambo. Over his 39 years of ministry, he served in many places, including Virika Cathedral as a curate, Kitumbi Parish as parish priest, Bukwali Parish as both curate and parish priest, the Bishop’s House, Kamwenge Parish, Mabira Parish, the Pastoral Office, and most recently Kicwamba Parish as curate.
May his soul Rest in Peace Amen