The Two people who died in accident with pastor Theogene Niyonshuti in Kabale, Uganda on Thursday, June 22, have been identified.
The accident occurred along the Katuna-Kabale highway on Thursday night, involving a public transport bus and a Mercedes Benz saloon car that was heading to Rwanda.
The Mercedes Benz was reportedly carrying three people, all of whom died, including Niyonshuti. The other two victims have been identified as Donath Ntezimana, a Rwandan sitting volleyball player for Nyagatare Stars, and a Congolese woman named Devota Moneza.
A bus passenger identified as Ruth Athieno, was injured and is receiving treatment at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital.
Niyonhsuti was as a pastor at ADEPR Muhima church. He was known for his preaching style characterised by many jokes and ‘street language.’
He is survived by a wife and four biological children, in addition to about a dozen foster children that his family was taking care of.
Since the news of his passing was announced, people have been sharing their condolence messages. For instance, youth minister, Abdallah Utumatwishima, described him as a man who “preached in a unique way.”
“He would read scriptures in a way that was easy even for the young ones to understand. May God strengthen his family, his fellow congregants, the youth and all people whose messages reached out to,” he tweeted.
Pastor Isaie Ndayizeye, the head of the ADEPR church in Rwanda, said Niyonshuti’s passing presents a hard time to the church, because he was a valuable minister.
“He was a preacher who was valuable in various ways in our country. His story would showcase that God changes people’s past,” he said.
Prior to his shift in lifestyle to a church-centred life, Niyonshuti had reported living on the streets. Through his preaching, he encouraged individuals to abstain from drugs and alcohol consumption.
