By Andrew Irumba
Kampala: Praying for the dead has now become very expensive after Namirembe Diocese declared that it would start taking 75% of condolences collected during the funeral services.
Rev.Canon Nelson Kaweesa, the Secretary of Namirembe diocese said Monday that “75% of the condolences will be retained by the church and the bereaved family will take 25%.” In a letter addressed to the different dignitaries in Namirembe Diocese, Rev. Kaweesa said the decision was taken by the Diocesan Council. He noted that “Collecting condolences will be conducted before the sermon to enable the ushers count the money and divide it accordingly before the end of each service.” His letter adds that “75% of the condolence will be retained by the church to enable it pay for the items that would have been used in the service.”
He revealed that this arrangement includes funeral services held at home. The Church of Uganda is sub-divided into 35 Dioceses. Each Diocese is administered by a Bishop and includes a Diocesan Office to oversee the priests and deacons and to encourage and support ministries of the parishes and congregations. The Rt. Rev Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira heads Namirembe diocese which is comprised of 342 local churches.
