Tributes Pour In As West Nile Regional Pentecostal Churches Overseer Dies

By Alex Pithua

ZOMBO— Grief has engulfed West Nile following the death of Bishop John Okethwengu, the Regional Overseer of Pentecostal Churches of Uganda (PCU) for West Nile. He was 62.  

Bishop Okethwengu died on Tuesday, 14th July 2026 at Nebbi General Hospital from injuries sustained in a motorbike accident.

A Life Dedicated to the Gospel

The late Bishop was eulogized as an instrumental and dedicated servant of Jesus Christ under PCU. He worked tirelessly to expand the Gospel in West Nile and Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

PCU members described him as _“an agog shepherd”_ who, during his lifetime, lobbied for and spearheaded the Compassion Project under the Pentecostal Churches of Uganda umbrella.

Education and Ministry Journey

Bishop Okethwengu completed his primary education at Kyomboa Primary School in Mubende District. He later studied Mechanics and Driving at Lendu Forest Station, Kabkwata Factory in present-day Zombo District.  

He answered God’s call and joined Bible College, where he attained a Certificate in Ordained Ministries for two years. He later earned a Diploma in Ordained Ministries from the Pentecostal Churches of Uganda.

He began his church ministry as a Catechist with PCU from 2003 to 2006.  

In 2007, he was ordained a Reverend in the Pentecostal faith.  

On 19th May 2024, he was consecrated as the Regional Bishop for West Nile, a position he held until his untimely death.

A Father to Many and a Community Leader

Beyond the pulpit, Bishop Okethwengu was a renowned businessman and commercial farmer in greater Nebbi and across West Nile

Nema Charity daughter of the late Bishop, told mourners that her father taught them to live a Christian life. She added that he was among the community elders who supported efforts to secure land for the construction of Akaa Seed Secondary School.

Bishops and Leaders Pay Tribute

The burial was held at his ancestral home in Jupakubi Clan, Alur Kingdom, Zombo District and was led by Bishop Bagoza Charles, General Overseer of PCU.

In his sermon, Bishop Bagoza urged thousands of mourners _“never to hate one another, but to do good to the community and protect the gains made.”_ Other PCU leaders in attendance included:  

Bishop Wafula Godfrey – Regional Overseer, Bunyoro Sub-region  

Bishop Martin Wabwire– Regional Overseer, Teso/Karamoja Sub-region  

Bishop Bagoza Wilson– Busoga Sub-region  

Bishop Opar Charles – Deputy Regional Overseer, Bunyoro Sub-region  

Bishop Alfred Oyo Okello– Regional Overseer, Acholi  

Rev. John Elamu – National Mission Coordinator, PCU  

Pastor Philip Opar– National Youth Leader, PCU, 

Josephine Arongot– PCU Administrator, 

Liz Wambuzi – PCU Kampala School of Theology

The Woman Member of Parliament for Zombo District, Hon. Topista Acamfua, applauded PCU bishops for giving the late Bishop Okethwengu a befitting burial.

May his soul rest in peace, and may God comfort the family and the church.

Casket of the late Bishop of John Okethwengu. (Photo by Alex Pithua)

Family members of late Bishop John Okethwengu speaking to the mourners on Sunday at Adhingi primary school. ( Photo by Alex Pithua)

Pentecostal Churches of Uganda Bishops attending burial of late John Okethwengu overseer of the Pentecostal Churches in West Nile. (Photo by Alex Pithua)

General Overseer Bishop Bagoza Charles preaching gospel to thousands of mourners during the burial of late Bishop John Okethwengu at Adhingi primary school in Zombo district. (Photo by Alex Pithua)

Bishop John Okethwengu of the Pentecostal Churches of Uganda.

Alex Pithua is news editor at Zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub for African news trends and updates.