The clergy and Christians in North Kigezi Diocese are mourning the death of Bishop Rt. Rev. Benon Magezi. According to the North Kigezi Diocesan Secretary, Rev Can Enock Karamuzi, Bishop Magezi died on Tuesday at around 10:00 pm.
Karamuzi says that Bishop Magezi died from Mulago National Referral Hospital. He was first admitted at last week Mbarara regional referral hospital after testing positive for Covid-19.
Karamuzi says that the death of Bishop Magezi is so unfortunate because has been the fountain and a development-oriented person who shall be missed.
Rt. Rev. Goerge Bagamuhunda, Bishop of the neighbouring Kigezi Diocese in Greater Kabale where North Kigezi Diocese was curved from described the death of Bishop Magezi as disheartening to the clergy in the diocese. Bagamuhunda says that Magezi will be missed for his sacrifice to preach the gospel. Bagamuhunda however expresses optimism that God will give comfort to the clergy and the deceased’s family.
Rev. Fred Tumwesigye the parish priest of Kyatoko Church of Uganda in Eastern Division Rukungiri municipality described the deceased as a person who was progressive and supported different church projects. He adds that his death has created a vacuum that will not be easily filled.
Rev. Can. Eric Mugyenzi, the Dean of St Emmanuel Cathedral Kyinyasano, described Magezi as a great and mindful person who had a vision of transforming the diocese.
Penninah Aijuka, the North Kigezi Diocesan Treasure says that the late bishop was a person who worked tirelessly towards the expansion of the Cathedral. Aijuka noted that the death of the bishop is a great loss towards the development of the entire North Kigezi diocese community.
Colonel Dr Kiiza Besigye, former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party presidential aspirant who is also a resident of Rwakabengo in Rukungiri Municipality described the death of Bishop Magezi as shocking. Besigye however believes that Magezi is in the arms of God due to his positive legacy.
Erias Byamungu, Rukungiri District Chief Administrative Officer says that Bishop Magezi will be missed for supporting education and environmental protection in the diocese.
Bishop Magezi was consecrated and enthroned as Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese on January 8th, 2017 at Emmanuel Cathedral, Kinyasano, Rukungiri. He had recently launched a major fundraising campaign to expand the Cathedral and the church’s ministry in the Diocese.
Before he was elected Bishop, he served as Diocesan Treasurer of North Kigezi Diocese, and in many parishes. He has ordained a deacon in December 1991 and a priest the following year.
In 2009, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Divinity from the Bishop Tucker School of Divinity and Theology at Uganda Christian University, Mukono, in 2009, having earned both a Certificate and Diploma in Theology from Bishop Barham Theological College in 1990 and 1998, respectively. He is survived by his wife, Gladys, and their five children. URN