Rugambwa to be laid to rest in Bukoba tomorrow

BUKOBA: ARCHBISHOP Novatus Rugambwa, a distinguished Vatican diplomat whose decades of service took him across the globe representing the Holy See, will be laid to rest tomorrow (Monday) at the Mater Misericordiae Cathedral in Bukoba.

Other prominent clerics buried at the same burial site include the late Laurian Cardinal Rugambwa and Bishop Nestorius Timanywa.

Archbishop Rugambwa passed away on September 16 at Gemelli Hospital in Rome after a period of illness. He was 67. His death has been received with deep sorrow both in Tanzania and abroad, where he faithfully served in several papal missions.

Bishop Jovitus Francis Mwijage of the Diocese of Bukoba said burial arrangements have been completed.

He noted that hundreds of mourners are expected to receive the body of the late archbishop at Bukoba Airport on Sunday afternoon. From there, the cortege will proceed to the Mater Misericordiae Cathedral, where vigil prayers will be held.

On Monday, a requiem mass will begin at 10am, followed by burial rites at the cathedral grounds.

Bishop Mwijage described the late archbishop as a humble servant of the Church whose life embodied dedication, diplomacy and faith.

“Let us continue to pray for the repose of his soul: Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Amen,” he said.

Retired Auxiliary Bishop Methodius Kilaini described the passing of Archbishop Rugambwa as a profound loss not only for the Catholic Church in Tanzania but also for the universal Church.

“I have personally known Archbishop Rugambwa for many years. I taught him when he was in Form Two at Rubya Seminary and later at Ntungamo Major Seminary. He was among the best students in class and had a very promising future. We shall miss him dearly. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said Bishop Kilaini.

He explained that Archbishop Rugambwa, who resigned from his diplomatic duties in July 2024, had suffered a severe stroke in October 2023. He moved to Rome in March 2024 to continue treatment and rehabilitation but sadly passed away at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service and diplomacy.

Archbishop Rugambwa was born on October 8, 1957 at Maruku Ward, in Bukoba District Council and was ordained a priest on July 6, 1986, by the late Bishop Nestorius Timanywa, following his theological training and priestly formation.

He entered the diplomatic service of the Holy See on July 1, 1991, serving in several papal missions across the world.

On June 28, 2007, he was appointed Undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People by Pope Benedict XV1.

He was later appointed Titular Archbishop and Apostolic Nuncio to Angola and Sao Tome and Principe on February 6, 2010. His episcopal consecration was held on March 18, 2010 and was presided over by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, then Vatican Secretary of State.

His diplomatic journey continued with further postings, whereby on March 5, 2015, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Honduras, on March 29, 2019, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to New Zealand and Papal Representative to the Pacific Islands by Pope Francis.

On March 30, 2021, he was assigned additional responsibilities as Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Micronesia, continuing his mission in the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Fiji, Palau and New Zealand.

In New Zealand, where Archbishop Rugambwa served between March 2019 and July 2024, the Catholic Bishops Conference (NZCBC) expressed their condolences and sorrow at his passing.

In a statement posted on Facebook on September 17 this year, NZCBC President Bishop Stephen Marmion Lowe of the Diocese of Auckland described Archbishop Rugambwa as “A man of deep faith and prayer who served the Church in New Zealand and the Pacific with warmth and generosity”.

As the Catholic community in Tanzania and around the world mourns the passing of this devoted servant of the Church many continue to remember Archbishop Rugambwa for his humility, dedication and unwavering commitment to promoting the values of the Catholic faith across continents. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

The archbishop is remembered as a bridgebuilder who promoted dialogue, peace and pastoral care wherever he was posted. His burial in Bukoba will draw faithful from across Tanzania, dignitaries and colleagues from the Vatican to honour a lifetime of service