A priest of Arua Diocese, Rev. Fr. Denis Isa Iranya  who has been serving as the parish priest of Holy Cross Indriani Pilgrim Centre Catholic Mission in Adjumani district has died after collapsing during a meeting.

Fr Iranya passed away at Pioneer Hospital in Arua city on Thursday afternoon where he was rushed for medical attention.

His death has been confirmed by Rev Fr Ben, Drici, the parish priest of Pakele catholic parish who is also the secretary for Pakele Denary in a statement.

“We are getting the tragic unbelievable sad news of the sudden death of our Dean and Parish Priest of Indriani, Rev. Fr. Denis Isa Iranya, that has just occurred in Arua, ” the statement reads in part.

According to Fr Drici, Fr Iranya collapsed while attending a meeting of diocesan Parish Priests at Christus center in Ediofe Cathedral in Arua city. Fr Drici says the deceased died due to acute hypertension.

“He was rushed to Pioneer Hospital but shortly passed on due to acute hypertension,” said Drici.

Fr Iranya who belongs to the congregation of the Missionaries of Jesus the Divine Master previously served as the parish priest of St. Mary Assumpta catholic parish Oleba in Maracha district, Pakele catholic parish among parishes.

Phillip Inziku, a Christian of Oleba catholic parish described Fr Iranya as a dedicated and hardworking priest who laid solid foundation for the development of the parish.

“I have received shocking news of the passing away of our first parish priest Fr Denis Eranya. May his soul rest in peace. We will never forget you and may you get your reward for the good work,” noted Inziku.