Christians have been urged to faithfully execute their God given responsibilities in order to remain relevant on their earthy journey. This call was made on Sunday, June 14, 2026, by Rev. Fr. Austen Christmas, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral Parish while preaching at the burial of late Joseph Rutagonya at St. Francis of Assisi Parish Kyanamira in Kabale District.
While addressing the mourners during the homily, Fr. Austen described the late Rutagonya as a man who fulfilled his mission on earth and dedicated his life to serving both God and humanity. He noted that every person is uniquely created by God and entrusted with a special responsibility in life.
God created each one of us differently. No two fingerprints are the same, so also every person has a unique purpose and gift. Every duty or task you accomplish very well contributes to your holiness and sanctification. So, go and do good work for the Lord and your duty is to use your talents to build God’s Kingdom and serve others – Fr. Austen Christmas.
He also noted that the life of Joseph Rutagonya reflected this message, saying the deceased worked diligently throughout his life and left behind a legacy of faith, family and service. “We have come to pray for the soul of Joseph Rutagonya who has faithfully done what he was supposed to do on earth. May God grant him eternal rest,” Fr. Austen told the congregation.
Fr. Austen also encouraged Christians to avoid comparing themselves with others and instead remain focused on their own calling. To illustrate the point, he shared a story of a woman who once complained to her priest that she could no longer attend church because of the distractions and misconduct she observed among fellow worshippers.
According to her priest, the woman was asked to carry a glass filled to the brim with water around the church compound without spilling a single drop. After successfully completing the task, she was asked whether she had noticed the people who were talking, shouting or using their phones during Mass.
“She replied that she had not seen any of them because her attention was fixed on the glass of water,” Fr. Austen recounted. “The lesson is that Christians should focus on God and their mission rather than being distracted by the mistakes of others.”
He further reminded the congregation that the Church’s supreme law is the salvation of souls, urging believers to remain committed to doing good and living lives that bring others closer to God. “Everyone has a gift different from another. What matters is how we use those gifts for the glory of God and the good of humanity,” he said.
Throughout the Mass, mourners remembered Rutagonya as a humble, hardworking and God-fearing man whose life touched many people in his community. Family members expressed gratitude for the support they received during the difficult period of mourning. Dr. Besigye Innocent, one of the in-laws testified how his father-in-law dedicated his life to prayer and serves above self. Dr. Innocent used the opportunity to remind people to always have routine medical checkups especially for non-communicable diseases.
Joseph Rutagonya was born on June 17, 1941 in Bugandara Cell, Kyanamira Parish, in Kyanamira Sub-county, Kabale District. He grew up with strong catholic values with discipline and hard work, rendering service to his community as Chairman L.C 1 and Finance Secretary in Kyanamira Catholic Church. He worked in different institutions including Kigezi High School, St. Francis College Kyanamira and St. Maria Goretti Preparatory School up to his retirement.
He was married to Angelina and together had nine children, 30 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren who continue to carry on the values and lessons imparted by him throughout his lifetime. He succumbed to the blood clot in the lungs and dementia on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the age of 86 and was laid to rest at his ancestral home.
Those who knew Joseph Rutagonya remember him for his wisdom, kindness, patience, and unwavering faith. He was so devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and would start any conversation with a prayer. He was a man who believed in honest work, and was respected by all community members for he always offered guidance and encouragement to those around him.
Hon. Tumwesigye Bridget Asinga, Woman Councilor for Kyanamira Sub County and Kabale District NRM Chairperson thanked the late Rutagonya for leaving a legacy behind, having taken care of his children educated them. She also thanked his children for taking care of their father. She noted that there are some children who do not take care of their children in old age and only wait for them to die so that they share the property.
