Family, friends and well-wishers of the Late Bishop Barnabas Helem’mana will today celebrate his life in Kigali, starting with Mass at Centre Christus in Remera.

Bishop Halem’mana was the emeritus of Kabale Diocese, and had served as a bishop of the same diocese for 25 years before his retirement on July 15, 1994.

He passed on January 3, and was laid to rest on January 6, at Rushoroza Cathedral in Kabale, south-western Uganda.

President Paul Kagame described the late bishop as a courageous man.

"He championed justice and equality for all. He was also a courageous man! His soul rest in peace,” Kagame tweeted on January 6, the day he was laid to rest.

According to Immaculee Milenge, the sister-in-law of the deceased prelate, the function is part of celebrating his life and that the late bishop lived a life worth celebrating.

"His great love, kind and caring heart, hard work and relentless dedication to serving the lord and his people, were all incredible. Now we look at him as a true hero as we celebrate his life and honour of his legacy,” Milenge said.

The memorial mass will begin at 3pm.

Bishop Halem’mana is widely appreciated in Rwanda for his role in supporting refugees who fled to Uganda.

"He supported many Rwandan refugees in their education and social well being, He gave unwavering support and shelter to Rwandans in need, people in all walks of life.”

"His doors were always open to everyone in need. Sometimes it caused problems for him but it never deterred him in his quest against the injustice that befell our people,” Milenge added.

Anne Bahenda, one of his nieces, told Saturday Times of how the late bishop graced their lives and why he is dearly missed.

"Bishop Barnabas is dearly missed because he was our dearest uncle and friend; He graced our lives with his cheerful and beautiful smile, great generosity and kindness, spiritual and parental guidance and advice,” she said.

Bahenda added that the family is fully strengthened in the hope that God has rewarded him by receiving him in Heaven. 

"He was indeed a great man. He lived an exemplary life and indeed was a ‘Good Shepherd’ as his motto.”

The Minister for Defence, James Kabarebe, and Rwanda High Commissioner to Uganda Frank Mugamabage were part of the delegation that attended his funeral.

Bishops of Byumba, Ruhengeri, and Kibungo dioceses, as well as Rtd Bishop John Rucyahana also travelled to Uganda for the final send off that was also graced by President Yoweri Museveni.

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