The outspoken parish priest of Kihani in Kikyenye, Ibanda district, Rev Fr Ponsiano Betunguura was laid to rest on Sunday afternoon at Nyamitanga Diocese in Mbarara.
Fr. Betungura passed on last Thursday 11th November 2016 at 10:30am at Ibanda Hospital.
His body was taken at Ibanda Priests’ House from where it was transported to Nyamitanga Diocese in Mbarara where he was laid to rest.
Thousands of mourners poured at the diocese for the grand sendoff. Among these was former opposition presidential candidate Col Dr Kizza Besigye.
Speaking at the burial service, Archbishop Paul K. Bakyenga said the Church had “lost a father of all churches, who’s works in spreading the word of God will be greatly missed.”
Others in attendance included Minister Mary Okrut Karoro who represented President Tower Museveni, and former minister of general duties Tarasisi Kabwegyere.
From the funeral, Dr. Kizza Besigye and his team of FDC top officials proceeded to Ibanda district on a fundraising function for the FDC offices in Ibanda municipality.
Born in April 1956, Late. Fr Betunguura went to Nyakishojwa primary school, Mbarara junior school, Kabira Boys before he joined St. George’s T.T.C.
He later attended Katigondo National Seminary and was ordained a diaconate at Nyamitanga Cathedral Parish.
He served in different parishes including at Nyamushekyera Prison as a chaplain.
While serving as the Kihani parish priest, Betunguura suffered a cancer related ailment and underwent a number of operations in Kampala and Ibanda where he died last week.