By KT Reporter
Wednesday, October 8, 2025, will forever remain a memorable day in the history of the Busoga Catholic community following the laying to rest of Msgr. Rev. Christopher Isiko, the oldest and longest-serving priest in the Jinja Diocese. Msgr. Isiko passed away at Nsambya Hospital on October 5, 2025, after battling an undisclosed illness for two months.
Born in 1933, Isiko was ordained a priest in 1963, just one year after Uganda gained independence — a journey his family describes as one of the most challenging chapters of his life. He was first deployed to serve in the modern-day Kampala Diocese, which was then jointly administered by the White Fathers and the Mill Hill Fathers.
When the formation of the Kampala Diocese was concluded, Isiko requested to be posted to Bina Parish, where he prioritized ministering to inmates at Luzira Prisons. Throughout his service at Luzira, Msgr. Isiko interacted closely with death row inmates, many of whom spent their final hours in his company before execution.
In his memoirs, referenced during his final Mass at Walukuba Catholic Parish in Jinja City—where he was laid to rest—Isiko reflected on the deep compassion he extended to the condemned prisoners, many of whom expressed remorse for their past crimes.
He described those moments as the most difficult of his clerical journey, recalling how he would descend to the execution chambers to anoint the lifeless bodies of those he had just prayed with moments earlier. Isiko noted that such experiences deepened his resolve to dedicate his priesthood to serving prisoners, offering them hope and spiritual strength to endure their sentences.
In 1966, Isiko was transferred to the then Iganga Parish under Jinja Diocese, led at the time by Rev. Fr. Joseph Ben Louis Willigers. Recognizing that the diocese was predominantly led by white priests—with only four African counterparts—Isiko mobilized his colleagues to form the African Clergy Association.
Under his leadership, the African clergy created a platform to voice their ideas and concerns directly to Bishop Wilgras, fostering a stronger sense of belonging among local priests. With the bishop’s support, the group even purchased a tractor to promote agricultural development in the area.
The association continued to grow, paving the way for the establishment of the Jinja Diocesan Priests Association (JDPA), which remains active today. Msgr. Isiko rose through the ranks to become Vicar General of Jinja Diocese, a position he held for 20 years (1978–1998).
He later requested to be assigned to Kirinya Prisons under Walukuba Parish, where he served faithfully as chaplain until his death. The Vicar General of Jinja Diocese, Rev. Fr. Ben Wakabi, described Msgr. Isiko as a humble and loving priest who, even at 92 years old, continued to mentor fellow clergy and share his wisdom, humility, and devotion to Christ.
“Despite his age, Msgr. Isiko remained active, guiding priests and reaching out to prisoners and parishioners alike. His passing has left a great void,” Fr. Wakabi said. Mourners from all walks of life paid tribute to Isiko as a friendly and compassionate priest whose life was devoted to the service of others.
Julius Kayiira, a parishioner, said, “Msgr. Isiko was a friend to all Christians. He reenergized the weary and counseled anyone in need without hesitation. He treated us like one big family.” Mary Namukwaya added, “I first met Msgr. Isiko, when I was in high school, about 27 years ago.
Despite his age, he continued to visit parishioners and promote charismatic worship and cell fellowships in their homes. He was truly a cross-generational priest.” Msgr. Isiko is survived by his elder brother, Eliphaz Nabongo, aged 95, and other relatives.
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