The Catholic community in Soroti Diocese is mourning the passing of Rev. Fr. Cuthbert Aronyu Etayu, a senior priest whose dedicated service to the Church spanned nearly six decades.
His death was confirmed in an official statement issued by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Gonzaga A. Ongereny.
According to the statement, Rev. Fr. Aronyu Etayu, a native of Divine Mercy Parish in Aminit–Kamuda, was ordained to the ministerial priesthood in 1966 alongside his colleague, Rev. Fr. Leonard Elungat.
The two were among the early pillars of the Catholic mission in the Teso region, offering pastoral guidance and spiritual mentorship to generations of faithful.
Fr. Aronyu Etayu spent a significant part of his priestly life serving in the United States, where he remained active in pastoral work for many years.
Upon returning to Uganda, he lived at the home of his late brother, Mzee Richard Ekemu, until his passing.
The Diocese announced that the burial will take place on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the diocesan cemetery.
A Mass for Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Madera, where clergy, religious, and lay faithful are expected to gather in large numbers to honor his memory.
“May the soul of our departed brother find favor with God,” Rev. Fr. Ongereny said in his statement, calling on Christians to pray for the peaceful repose of Fr. Aronyu Etayu’s soul.
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