Father Rugirangoga died on 7th January 2021 in the United States of America (USA) succumbing to COVID-19 related complications.

On 27th January, Christians and friends of Rwanda in USA organized a farewell Mass prayer held at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.

The Bishop of Cyangugu Diocese, Hakizimana Célestin has told IGIHE that a farewell Mass will be held at Regina Pacis Parish shortly after Father Rugirangoga’s body arrives in Rwanda.

The farewell Mass is scheduled on 1st March 2021, a day before his burial to take place at Agasozi k’Ibanga ry’Amahoro (Hill of Secrete to Peace) located in Kamatita cell, Gihundwe sector, Rusizi district of Western Province.

The hill of 25 hectares is located in Nkanka Parish, Cyangugu Diocese.

Father Rugirangoga is renowned for delivering healing prayers, unity and reconciliation initiatives.

Father Rugirangoga was also renowned for psychiatric initiatives and healing prayers launched in Mushaka Parish that encouraged Genocide perpetrators to seek forgiveness and survivors to forgive offenders as a healing process from the wounds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

In 2015, Father Rugirangoga was selected as Protector of Friendship Pact ‘Umurinzi w’Igihango’ for outstanding contribution promoting unity and reconciliation among Rwandans across the country.

In 2019, Father Rugirangoga wrote a book dubbed “Forgiveness Makes You Free” aimed at consolidating Rwandans unity and reconciliation efforts.

Father Ubald Rugiranoga was born on 26th April 1955 in former Rwabidege sector, Mwezi parish in Commune Karengera, Prefecture Cyangugu currently in Rusizi district.

He was ordained priest in 1984 at the age of 29. He used to organize different gospel crusades in which many people healed from different diseases.

He has been a priest for over 32 years.