Bishops in the Teso sub-region have eulogized the late Bishop Emeritus of Soroti Catholic Diocese Erasmus Desiderius Wandera as a fearless and brave man of God.
According to the statement released by Uganda Episcopal Conference, Bishop Wandera 92 years died on Thursday at his home in Mbale City.
Rt. Rev. Bishop Michael Okwii Esakan, the Kumi Church of Uganda Diocese Bishop described Wandera as a bold, fearless, tough, and straightforward man of God.
Okwii recalls that the late Wandera worked closely with the late Soroti Diocese Bishop Geresom Ilukor to pacify Teso during the insurgency.
He said that the two had the courage to persuade the rebels to surrender and accept to work with President Museveni.
Rt. Rev. Bishop Charles Bernard Obaikol the retired Soroti Anglican Bishop recalls Wandera as a unifying religious leader who worked closely with other religious leaders for the good of the people of Teso.
Obaikol remembers moments when they used to go together to supply relief in IDP camps during the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Teso in 2003.
The Archbishop of Tororo Archdiocese Emmanuel Obbo, described Wandera as a man with an amiable character with a distinct reputation.
Rt. Rev. Kosea Odongo, the Anglican Bishop Soroti Diocese described Wandera as a man who served others above himself and was very dedicated to working of the Lord in every aspect.
Rt. Rev. Erasmus D. Wandera was born at Osia in Tororo Archdiocese on 16th April 1930. He was ordained a priest on 27th December 1956.
He was appointed the first Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese on 29th November 1980 and consecrated Bishop on 29th March 1981.
He retired on 6th October 2007 and was succeeded by Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Obbo, A.J. Bishop Emeritus Erasmus D. Wandera.
BURIAL PROGRAM FOR THE LATE BISHOP ERASMUS D. WANDERA
Sunday 11th Dec 2022: Mass at St. Austin Church at 2:00p.m then body will be taken to Ngora Parish, Mass at 6:00p.m. and body will lie in State till Monday
Monday 12th Dec 2022 : Mass at 9:00 a.m. before body leaves for Soroti, There will be Mass at 2:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Cathedral – Soroti, Various Masses will be celebrated.
Tuesday 13th Dec, 2022: Funeral Mass will start at 11:00 a.m. at Hilders’ Primary School Grounds, followed by burial in the Cathedral.