By Steven Enatu
TESO
Deputy Minister for Tourism and documentation Iteso Cultural union Joseph Ojatum mourns the fallen Bishop Emeritus COU Kumi.
Bishop Emeritus Edison Thomas Irigei, 69, was announced dead this morning. Irigei, was hospitalized since Wednesday last week.
Ojatum described the deceased Bishop as a pillar of unity in Teso.
“He was a dictionary for young generation; we have lost a father, of peace. He loved Iteso Culture so much, he embraced it, he participated so much in ICU, he has mediated so many conflicts in Teso, it’s truly a dark time in Teso, losing such a person without replacement is a hard thing in Teso . I knew him as a person who loves unity, peace and righteousness,” he said.
Adding that “To me as Ojatum Joseph,I miss him , but I can’t miss his counsel, his advice he gave us one day in Soroti Hotel, he planted a seed of unity and peace in my heart for Ateker , I promise I will always remember his words and do what he asked us to do,” he added.
He challenged both Political, religious and cultural leaders in Teso to emulate the footsteps of the late Bishop Irigei.
“By doing so, we shall build Teso and attract all humans on earth to invest in Teso , we shall create peace and a desired home,, let us a void fights, quarrels and blackmails, but let us get united to develop Teso . May Papa’s Soul RIP” he said.
The passionate youthful ICU minister also with deep heartfelt condolences asked the family of the late Bishop to remain firm and find peace in his loving memories.
Irigei, who had been hospitalized since Wednesday last week at Soroti Regional Hospital, passed on at midnight.
Irigei, the founding Bishop of Kumi, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after having breathing difficulties, according to his son, Patrick Okwi.“Daddy was diabetic as well as hypertensive.
He had his leg amputated in 2019 and since then he has been unwell. Irigei retired in 2019 after clocking 65 years.
