Greek government delays return of Archbishop Lwanga’s body

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Orthodox church is uncertain when the Greek government will release the remains of the late Metropolitan Jonah Lwanga because of ongoing investigations into his death. The late Metropolitan Jonah Lwanga died in the Greek capital Greece on September 4th, 2021 after a long illness.

Initially, the Orthodox church said his body would arrive in the country on Monday for the commencement of the burial arrangements. However, Fr. John Kibuuka, the chairperson board of trustees to the Orthodox church told URN on Monday that the Greek government had delayed the return of the body to conduct thorough investigations into Lwanga’s death.

“The Greek government couldn’t release the body before making their own investigations into what killed the Archbishop. Since the Archbishop is a diplomat of the Ugandan government, the Greeks have the responsibility for good bilateral relations to explain the cause of death of such a person in their country. And this, they couldn’t do without making proper post-mortem,” he said.

Adding that, “the delay was due to the fact that on Saturday and Sunday, the Greek government doesn’t operate hence leading the process to start today. This is something we didn’t foresee when we were making our previous communications, yet it is very crucial and it’s beyond our control.”

He revealed that the Greek Health Ministry in partnership with the Foreign Affairs Ministry has established a task force to handle the entire process. “When the report is done, it’s the judge in Greece who will confirm the findings and the transparency in the process, then the arrangements to return the body will start,” Fr. Kibuuka said.

He revealed that Ugandan diplomats in Greece are in touch with the Greek government to make sure that all things move on smoothly. Bishop Sylivestos Kisitu, the Bishop of Gulu and Eastern Uganda in the Orthodox church told URN on the phone that they will provide clear communication after receiving information from Greece.

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