By Nathan Eyagu
NGORA
Hon. Achayo Juliet Lodou, the Member of Parliament for Ngora County, expressed her heartfelt condolences today as she joined the Teso community in mourning the passing of the esteemed retired Bishop Emeritus Edison Thomas Irigei of the Anglican Church in Kumi Diocese.
The Bishop Emeritus, aged 69, peacefully departed this morning in the hospital where he had been receiving care since last Wednesday.
Reflecting on his legacy, Achayo remarked, “We fondly remember the late retired Papa Bishop Irigei as the founding Bishop of Kumi Diocese and a remarkably humble servant of God. Until his transition in 2019, he dedicated himself to numerous pastoral and social activities that profoundly shaped the church in Kumi Diocese as a true instrument of salvation.”
She continued, highlighting the remarkable growth under his leadership, “During his stewardship, the church experienced significant expansion in ecclesial, missionary, and evangelical dimensions. The number of archdeaconries increased from 3 to 10, and parishes grew from 31 to 43, including the establishment of several daughter churches.”
Achayo extended her deepest sympathies to the family, the current Bishop of Kumi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Okwi, the clergy, and the entire Anglican Communion. In concluding her tribute, she offered a solemn wish, “May the soul of the retired Bishop, Papa Irigei, rest in perfect peace.”
