Bishop dies after suspected snake bite

Emeritus Bishop Gershom Illukor of Soroti Diocese, who had been an influential man in Teso Affairs, died at Mbale hospital after a suspected attack by a cobra at his home in Chodong Village, Bukedea District. He retired in 1999.

According to Mr Apedel Odea a close relative, the cleric was attacked on Friday morning as he got sacks of food from his store.

“I do not have exact details of the snake but in Teso, the common and most poisonous snakes are cobras. He was given first aid and on Saturday he had shown signs of improving,” he said.
Yesterday, the Bishop’s body was taken to Mulago hospital for treatment and embalming as the burial programme was being prepared.

Bishop Illukor, who has been a presidential adviser, was an influential power broker in Teso, especially during the years of insurgency, where he mediated talks between the government and rebel sides.

One of his last assignments before his death, was leading a team of opinion leaders from Teso region to Rwakitura in March this year, to meet President Museveni to negotiate the release of Soroti Municipality MP Mike Mukula, who had been jailed on corruption charges.

The Daily Monitor