The Catholic Diocese of Soroti has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Rev. Fr. Romanus Etwap, who succumbed to injuries following a night-time road crash along the Soroti-Mbale highway.
According to preliminary reports, the collision occurred on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at approximately 11:00 PM in the Ajip area, located in Soroti East Division.
Fr. Etwap was traveling from Busia back to Soroti, where he served as the provost of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish, when his vehicle-a Toyota regius registered under UAP 806S-collided with a Fuso truck bearing registration number UBE 545G.
Passersby and emergency responders rushed the critically injured priest to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital. However, medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival due to the severity of the impact. Police investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
The news of Fr. Etwap’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves across Teso Sub-region and the broader Catholic community, coming shortly after the loss of another priest in the diocese.
In an official statement issued on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Gonzaga Ongereny Waziwazi, formally communicated the demise on behalf of the Bishop Ordinary of Soroti Catholic Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach.
“The Bishop Ordinary of Soroti Catholic Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach, with profound shock announces the devastating news of the death of Rev. Fr. Romanus Etwap,” Fr. Waziwazi stated. “The demise of Fr. Romanus is terrible news to all of us, bearing in mind that we recently buried another priest and a classmate of the deceased.”
Fr. Waziwazi urged the faithful to remain steadfast amidst the sudden loss. “Burial arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Meanwhile, we keep calm and pray for the clergy and indeed the entire diocese during these trying moments. May the soul of Fr. Romanus Etwap find perfect peace and heavenly rewards from the Lord he served diligently with dedication,” he added.
Diocesan officials and the bereaved family are currently finalizing burial arrangements.