The Archbishop of Gulu Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Raphael P’mony Wokoch, has hailed the late Rev. Father Emilio Onegwa, Nebbi Catholic Diocese’s oldest priest, as a man of decency and exemplary leadership who dedicated his entire life to serving God.
Rev. Father Onegwa, born on 8th December 1925, lived for 99 years before passing away at his home parish in Nyapea Deanery on 28th November 2024. He was due to celebrate his 100th birthday on 8th December, according to the diocese.
Archbishop Wokoch made these remarks while presiding over the funeral mass for the late priest at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Nebbi Catholic Cathedral on 5th December 2024.
“He was a priest who exemplified decency and commitment. He gave everything to God, and his passing is a blessing for both the diocese and the wider church,” Archbishop Wokoch said during the service.
The Archbishop encouraged fellow priests to emulate the late Father Onegwa’s dedication and resourcefulness in their daily lives, highlighting his unwavering commitment to God’s work.
“He went the extra mile, offering sacrifices, teaching people to appreciate hard work, nature, and the growth of the church. He always wanted the Church to grow,” Wokoch added.
Father Onegwa was also remembered as an agriculturalist who contributed significantly to the growth of fruit farming, which continues to support the local community.
Additionally, he played a key role in supporting the construction of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral in Nebbi.
Father Onegwa’s death came just two days after the diocese received the news of the appointment of a new bishop.
The funeral was attended by several notable prelates, including Archbishop Emeritus Dr. John Baptist Odama of Gulu Ecclesiastical Province, Bishop Linus Wanok of Lira Diocese, Bishop Sabino Ochan Odoki of Arua Diocese, priests, politicians, and thousands of members of the Christian community.
A delegation from Mahagi Nyoka Diocese in the Democratic Republic of Congo also attended the ceremony at the expansive Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral.
Archbishop Emeritus Dr. John Baptist Odama expressed his condolences, describing Father Onegwa as “an icon of priests in the entire Catholic Church.” He also praised Nebbi Diocese for producing a priest who lived to such an extraordinary age, calling it a “great gift of God.”
Bishop Sabino Ochan Odoki of Arua described Father Onegwa as a special priest whose example should be emulated by all. Bishop Linus Wanok of Lira, the former bishop of Nebbi Diocese, fondly remembered the late Father Emilio as a warm and welcoming priest, noting that Lira Diocese held a special prayer for him.
The King of Alur, His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Ularker III, honoured Father Onegwa’s legacy by describing him as a staunch promoter of faith across the Kingdom of Alur, a message read by Orach Vincent Ocaya, the Kingdom’s Deputy Executive Director.
Emmanuel Ongiertho, the Member of Parliament for Jonam County, praised Father Onegwa’s humility, recounting how the Ocegu Cultural Institution had donated land for the Catholic Diocese’s headquarters due to the priest’s devotion to his calling.
Mario Kunde, Father Onegwa’s 68-year-old younger brother, appealed to the Diocese to build a church at the Akoma Chapel, “Can Abiru Paa Megwa Bikira Maria,” in Ajei Zone, Nyapea Deanery, which was established by the late priest several years ago.
Local believers reflected on his leadership and the profound impact he had on their lives. Okweda Jenario, a believer from Nyapea Catholic Parish, said, “I will never forget Father Emilio; it was under him that I was baptised.” Jerose Mandhawun, from Nebbi Catholic Parish, shared, “We thank God for his life. Although we were expecting to celebrate his 100th birthday, God had other plans, but we continue to pray for him.”
The late Father Emilio Onegwa is the first priest to be buried at the newly established cemetery grounds of Nebbi Diocese.
While the community mourns his passing, they are also celebrating his extraordinary life and the lasting impact he made on the church and the wider community.
According to the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Nebbi Diocese is currently blessed with 69 diocesan priests, four missionary priests, 63 religious sisters, 26 religious brothers, and 997 catechists across 19 parishes.
