UGANDA: Kasese Diocese Eulogizes One of its Pioneer Priests as a Charitable Servant of God
Peter Masereka
The Body of Late Rev Fr. Joseph Matata Tibaijuka Baluku has been laid to rest at Kasanga Catholic Parish in the Diocese of Kasese with Rt. Rev Francis Aquirinus Kibira Kambale describing the deceased as a true example of a joyful Catholic servant of God who promoted love for neighbor.
Rev. Fr. Joseph Matata Baluku one of the first priests in the diocese had battled with stroke for over twenty-two years and was pronounced dead at Nsambya Hospital on 13th March 2022 Sunday morning and burial shall took place on Tuesday, 15th March, 2022
Fr Matata served as Diocesan Coordinator for Social Service Caritas in the Diocese of Kasese.
In his Homily while presiding over the requiem Mass at Kasanga Parish ground in Kasese district, Bishop Kibira asked Christians to emulate the late Fr. Matata whom he said was a generous and true example of a charitable servant of God.
On his part, the Vicar General Msgr. Landaus Bwambale who was a childhood friend to the deceased described the Late Fr. Joseph Matata as a good mediator and counsellor.
He later encouraged residents of Kasese district to impress conserving the environment by practicing good methods of farming with an aim towards avoiding soil erosion and food security among others.
The Kasanga Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Godwin Bwambale who pledged support and prayers to the family and the soul of the deceased called for unity between the clergy and the family of the deceased despite his death.
The Kasese district Woman Member of Parliament Hon.Florence Kabugho described the late Fr. Matata as a true reflection of the Biblical Job who did not curse God during his over 20 years of sickness but instead praised Him despite all this long suffering while the Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi described the Late Fr. Matata as a liberator whose suffering translated into peace that Ugandans are enjoying currently.
A 74-year-old Christian who witnessed the late Fr. Matata’s Ordination in the then Fort portal Diocese Mzee Leo Bwambale said it was an excitement to have strong priest who liked pastoral work all the time, describing the deceased as strong man who was joyful even in his time of sickness.
To Mr. Deus Muthabali who worked with the deceased at Caritas Kasese before his sickness described the late Fr. Matata as a unique servant for God who worked with UPDF to flash out ADF Rebels in Rwenzori region.
Late Fr. Joseph Matata was born 27th Dec 1954. In 1972 he joined St. Mary’s minor seminary Virika and later went to do Philosophy at Katigondo (1976) and Theology at Ggaba National seminary (1980).
