Soroti Diocese Declares 3-Day Prayer and Fast Amidst Rising Road Fatalities

The Soroti Catholic Diocese is urging its faithful to engage in a three-day prayer and fasting initiative to address the alarming increase in road accidents. This call comes in the wake of a fatal crash that claimed the life of Father Romanus Etwap, a respected priest within the diocese, as he was returning to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

Father Aloysius Gonzaga Ongereny Waziwazi, the Diocesan Chancellor, made the appeal during Father Etwap’s Requiem Mass. He noted that current parking practices in Soroti City are contributing to dangerous conditions and frequent accidents, emphasizing the urgent need for road infrastructure improvements and stricter adherence to traffic laws.

Father Ongereny implored all road users, including clergy, to exercise extreme caution, reminding them of the precarious nature of life and the dangers of speeding. He also advised against carrying extra passengers, as drivers often face blame in the event of an accident.

The late Father Etwap was remembered not only for his spiritual dedication but also for his commitment to community development, particularly his encouragement of farming as a means to combat poverty and his efforts in skilling the youth. Vice President Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo and local Member of Parliament Moses Attan Okia also paid tribute to Father Etwap and discussed potential solutions to the city’s traffic challenges, including the proposed construction of a bypass.

The diocese hopes this period of spiritual reflection and supplication will foster greater road safety and a renewed sense of responsibility among all citizens. The initiative underscores the profound impact of road carnage on the community and the collective desire for safer roads.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/soroti-diocese-calls-3-day-prayer-fast-over-rising-road-carnage-5589116