The Bishop Emeritus of Hoima Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Albert Edward Baharagate Akiiki has passed away.
His death was confirmed by the Hoima Diocese Bishop, Rt Rev Vincent Kirabo on Holy Thursday 06th April 2023.
According to the letter released, Bishop Edward passed away on Holy Wednesday 5th April 2023 at 10:20pm in Nsambya Hospital.
Bishop Baharagate Akiiki was born February 25, 1930 at Nyamigisa in Masindi district of Mid-Western Uganda to Kwebiiha Isidore Abwoli and Kabanaku Febronia Abwoli of Abayonza clan.
“We mourn Bishop emeritus Baharagate, said Mr Andrew Byakutaga, the Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom.
“He was passionate about faith, culture hard work, unity, peace and improvement of the welfare of the people,” Byakutaga said.
The Hoima City Mayor Mr Brian Kaboyo said the Bishop will be remembered for his contribution towards the development of the Church, community and sports talents of the youth.
“He has left a big legacy and he has touched the lives of so many people. We shall miss him dearly,” Kaboyo said.
Last year, he launched an environmental conservation campaign which he said was aimed at improving on humanity.
He told this reporter at the time that he was saddened by the high environmental degradation and climatic changes before he urged all leaders to rally people to address such threats to humanity.
He was visited by President Museveni at St. Jude Catholic parish in Masindi town when the President visited Masindi District to commission a five-star hotel and Radio Seven.
He is the last of the four Ugandan Bishops consecrated by His Holiness Pope Paul VI on 1st August 1969 at Kololo Airstrip.
At Kitabi and through Katigondo Regional Major Seminary, Baharagate was a contemporary of his three co-future clergymen in Uganda whose influence and contribution to the Church remains significant: Bishop Barnabas Halem Imana of Kigezi (Kabale), Bishop John Baptist Kakubi of Ankole (Mbarara) and Bishop Festo Magambo from Tooro (Fort Portal). The three were consecrated bishops with him on August 1, 1969. All the others are also deceased.
Baharagate was ordained to the priesthood on December 7, 1958 at Nyamigisa Parish, Masindi. His first assignment was as a chaplain at St. Leos’s College Kyegobe in Fort Portal.
He was installed as Bishop of Hoima Diocese on October 5, 1969 at Bujumbura Cathedral, in Hoima town, succeeding Bishop Cyprian Byeitima Kihangire.
