President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the deceased Bishop Emeritus of Hoima Catholic Diocese, Dr. Albert Edward Baharagate, for contributing to the economic and social development of the Bunyoro sub-region during his time of service.

The President’s message was delivered by Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja during the burial mass of the late Bishop, at Our Lady of Lourdes Bujumbura Cathedral in Hoima Oil City.

The mass was led by Rt. Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha, the Archbishop of Mbarara.

In his condolence message read by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabanja, President Yoweri Museveni said that the late Bishop Edward Baharagate established several projects like schools, health facilities, and the construction Department that employed many people.

The President also noted that Bishop Baharagate exemplary showed exemplary leadership, also promoted peace and unity.

The condolence message of the head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis was read by the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Luigi Bianco who represents the Pope and the Vatican in Uganda.

Rt. Rev Vincent Kirabo the Bishop of Hoima Catholic Diocese described the late bishop as an exceptional leader who developed the Diocese after the Missionaries had touched the lives of many Christians.

Rt. Rev Anthony Zziwa the Chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference asked Mourners to emulate the example of Bishop Baharagate who he says was strict on time management.

Rt. Rev Robert Muhiirwa the Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese who was the main preacher of the day reveals that they learnt a lot from the late Bishop Emeritus.

Bishop Emeritus Dr. Baharagate died of hypertension on 5th April 2023 at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala. He was 93 years old having been born on 25th February 1930 in Nyamigisa Village, present Masindi Municipality.

He became a priest in 1958 and was appointed the second Bishop of Hoima Catholic Diocese, replacing Bishop Cyprian Kihangire on 7th July 1969. He was consecrated on 1st August 1969 by Pope John VI together with other 11 African Bishops. He resigned on 9th March 1991.

He was replaced by the Late Bishop Dr. Deogratius Byabazaire Muganwa Abwooli who has also since passed on.

Ambrose