BY MATHIUS KAHUNGU
South Rwenzori Diocese has emphasized the need for the population to adopt the culture of leaving burial venues on time and reduce the number of mourners who remain behind to witness the post funeral rites locally known as “Omughaliko.”
The concern was raised yesterday for discussion by the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Nason Baluku while opening a two – day 21st Diocesan Synod that has ended today at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Kasese Town.
The Bishop reported that despite the previous Synod’s Resolution that was made on July 23-24, 2024 which endorsed ending burials early enough, there was still much to do.
He noted with concern that after the burials, many people still gather in huge numbers at the deceased’s home and end up spending the little money that was collected to educate the orphans.
The Man of God suggested and recommended that the post funeral rites should be left in-charge of the members of the nuclear family, committee members and some immediate neighbors since they involve appointing of the family care takers and sharing the property based on the deceased’s will.
Today morning, Rev. Yubu Mzee, the Assistant Archdeacon for Kisinga Archdeaconry and Secretary for the House of South Rwenzori Diocesan Clergy, presented some of the resolutions of the Synod and revealed that the Bishop’s proposal had been approved.
Rev. Mzee, who is also the Vicar at Ngome Church of Uganda Parish, directed the rest of the church leaderships to take lead in descending the resolutions reached during the Synod to the Laity and guide them accordingly. More
Mr. John Kyabona, the Head of Laity for Rwesororo Church of Uganda Parish who also doubles as the Secretary for the House of Laity, concurred with Rev. Mzee and said the proposal by the Bishop was unanimously upheld.
However, Mr. Godfrey Matembele, one of the Bishop’s nominees to the Synod, cited the need for the local government to join the church by formulating by-laws and ordinances that would help to tackle the issue of alcoholism in burials, a vice which had taken root in communities hence leading to moral decay.
ENDS