Soroti Catholic Diocese Announces Passing of Rev. Fr. Deogratias Okonye Tembo
By Peterson Hiirya.
With deep sorrow and firm Christian hope in the Resurrection, the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Joseph Eciru Oliach, has announced the passing of Rev. Fr. Deogratias Okonye Tembo.
According to the Chancellor of the Diocese, Gonzaga Ongereny Waziwazi, Fr. Tembo passed away on the afternoon of Sunday, February 22, 2026, in Kampala, where he had been undergoing medical treatment.
Fr. Ongereny conveyed the Bishop’s heartfelt message of condolence to all clergy, religious men and women, and the lay faithful of Soroti Catholic Diocese, both at home and in the diaspora.
He invited them to unite in prayer for the repose of Fr. Tembo’s soul and to remember with gratitude his dedicated priestly ministry and faithful service to the people of God.
Fr. Ongereny announced the following funeral program:
Monday, February 23, 2026
A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St. Gonzaga Gonza Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m., led by Rev. Fr. Henry Richard Waiswa.
Thereafter, the body will be transferred to St. Augustine Parish, where it will lie in state overnight for vigil prayers.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Holy Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine Parish at 10:00 a.m., presided over by Msgr. Silver Opio.
The body will then leave Mukongoro for Immaculate Conception Cathedral, where another Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., led by Msgr. Robert Ecogu.
In the evening, the body will be moved to St. Peter’s Seminary Chapel, where it will lie in state until Wednesday.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Priests and religious will pray the Office of the Dead at 9:00 a.m. in the Seminary Chapel.
The Mass for internment will begin at 11:45 a.m., presided over by Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach at St. Peter’s Square, followed by burial.
Fr. Ongereny called upon the faithful to continue praying for the eternal repose of Rev. Fr. Deogratias Okonye Tembo, remembering his unwavering commitment to pastoral service and his devotion to Christ and the Church.
