Nebbi Anglican Diocese bids farewell to Rev. Akenda
"All of us are heading in the same direction. If we believe in Jesus Christ, we shall die and rise again. Your father is alive in Christ, and God will not abandon you," Orombi said.
Nebbi: The Nebbi Anglican Diocese on Monday laid to rest Rev. Sam Akenda, a respected senior clergyman who dedicated decades of his life to serving the Church.
Rev. Akenda, 74, died on June 22, 2026, at Mulago National Referral Hospital after battling heart complications. At the time of his death, he was serving as Parish Priest of Kivuje Parish in Jonam Archdeaconry.
Hundreds of mourners, including clergy, family members, friends and Christians from across West Nile, gathered at Goli Women Vocational Training Centre in Jupangira Sub-county before the burial at his home in Goli Trading Centre.
Delivering the funeral sermon, the retired Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Henry Luke Orombi, called on Christians to put their trust in Christ and live in readiness for eternal life.
“All of us are heading in the same direction. If we believe in Jesus Christ, we shall die and rise again. Your father is alive in Christ, and God will not abandon you,” Orombi said.
He urged believers to remain faithful and prepared at all times, reminding them that death can come unexpectedly.
In an emotional farewell, fellow clergy transported Rev. Akenda’s casket to his final resting place while singing the hymn Till We Meet Again, paying tribute to a colleague remembered for his humility and commitment to ministry.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the deceased’s daughter, Sunday Kayom, thanked the Church, friends and well-wishers for standing with them throughout the period of illness and bereavement.
“My father went through a lot. Doctors confirmed he had serious heart complications that eventually claimed his life. We are grateful to everyone who supported us during this difficult time,” she said.
The Bishop of Nebbi Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Pons Ozelle Awinju, described Rev. Akenda as a devoted servant of God whose commitment to ministry continued even after retirement.
According to the bishop, Rev. Akenda was recalled to active pastoral service because of the shortage of clergy in the diocese and continued serving faithfully until his final days.
During his ministry, Rev. Akenda served in several parishes, including Abanga, Parombu Town, Mvuranyi, Nyarwodho and Angol, leaving behind a legacy of faithful service and spiritual leadership.
His death comes at a time when the Nebbi Anglican Diocese continues to mourn the loss of several senior church leaders in recent years, including Bishop Alphonse Wathokudi, retired Rev. William Pounegi and Canon Lusania Kasamba.
Rev. Sam Akenda is survived by his family, friends and a congregation that remembers him as a humble and dedicated shepherd who served God faithfully until the end.
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