The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tororo is mourning the passing of Fr Simon Peter Eulogius Watenyeri, a revered Catholic priest, educator, and distinguished scholar whose life was defined by service, intellect, and quiet acts of generosity.
Fr Watenyeri passed away on Monday, March 24 at the age of 72 from St Francis Nsambya Hospital after a long illness.
Fr Watenyeri was born on September 13, 1954, in Mbale to Joseph Manyali and Anna Mary Nayiga.
He hailed from Bududa Parish, where he was baptized on October 10, 1954, and later confirmed on March 10, 1963, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith.
He began his early education at Bududa Parish before joining Nagongera Seminary, where he completed both his primary and secondary education, earning the East African Certificate of Education.
His priestly formation took him to Katigondo National Major Seminary for Philosophy and later to Ggaba National Major Seminary for Theology.
Fr Watenyeri was ordained a deacon on April 29, 1978, and later ordained to the priesthood on September 22, 1979, at Namatala Catholic Church.
Driven by a deep passion for learning, he pursued further studies at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome between 1984 and 1988, where he attained a doctorate in Christian and Classical Literature.
He is widely remembered for his exceptional mastery of Latin, with some colleagues noting that he was among the first Africans south of the Sahara to earn a PhD in the discipline.
Throughout his ministry, Fr. Watenyeri served in various capacities, including as secretary at the Bishop’s residences in Mbale and Ngora, parish priest in Muyembe and Namatala, and a dedicated teacher at Nagongera Seminary and St Paul’s College Mbale.
Much of his life was devoted to shaping young minds in the seminary.
Tributes from colleagues and former students paint a picture of a man who was both intellectually gifted and deeply humane. Rev Fr Deogratias Ekisa described him as “a complex but deeply kind man,” recalling not only his excellence in teaching Latin but also his practical generosity.
He noted that Fr. Watenyeri often used his own resources to support seminarians and mentored students beyond the classroom through acts of trust, correction, and encouragement.
“He taught us not just Latin, but life,” Fr. Ekisa said, highlighting the priest’s humility, humour, and commitment to forming well-rounded individuals.
In a separate tribute, Rev. Fr. Michael Omongot, a longtime classmate, remembered him as a straightforward and principled man who “called a spade a spade.”
He praised Fr Watenyeri’s academic brilliance and unmatched love for Latin, noting that he completed his doctoral studies in record time before returning home to serve.
“He ran the priestly race to the end,” Fr. Omongot said, describing him as a loyal friend and devoted servant in the vineyard of the Lord.
Fr Watenyeri is remembered not only for his academic achievements and priestly service but also for his kindness, generosity, and unique sense of humour, qualities that endeared him to many across generations.
As the Archdiocese of Tororo mourns and prepares for his burial on Thursday, the 26th of this month, at a Mass to be presided over by the Most Rev Emmanuel Obbo, the life of Fr Watenyeri stands as a testament to faithful service, intellectual excellence, and the impact of small acts of kindness.
