Ugandan Bishop Wasikye Killed
Episcopal News Service. May 3, 1979 [79134]
NAIROBI, Kenya -- An Anglican bishop of the Church of Uganda was killed at the Army barracks in Jinja on Easter Sunday, it has been announced here.
The Rt. Rev. John Wasikye, Bishop of the Diocese of Mbale in eastern Uganda, was killed by forces loyal to former President Idi Amin, in circumstances not known yet.
Bishop Wasikye served for many years as provincial treasurer. He was ordained priest in 1956 and consecrated bishop in the mid-seventies. His wife was the mayor of Mbale for some time.
Jinja has been the scene of intense fighting between the government and liberation forces.
It was reported here also that Bishop Tucker Theological College in Mukono was occupied by Libyan forces with the staff and students forced to evacuate and disperse. It is not yet known how extensive the damages are, and it was learned that the Church in Uganda plans to re-open the theological institution as soon as possible.
The late Archbishop Janani Luwum has been especially remembered here. He was murdered while in government custody in February 1977.
The Rt. Rev. Festo Kivengere, exiled Bishop of Kigezi and well-known evangelist, has returned to Uganda to resume his diocesan duties.