17 September 2026 | St. Kizito Salesian Community, Palabek
A Servant of God and Young People
“For I know that my Redeemer lives.” Job 19:25
A Celebration Rooted in Hope
The Reading, St. Paul reminds us
“Whether we live or we die, you are the Lord’s.”
The Message of Hope
Together, the readings invited the community to reflect on the meaning of life, service and our ultimate call to return to God.
A Salesian Who Lived for Others
During the homily, Rev. Fr. Ubaldino, SDB, Rector and Director of the St. Kizito Salesian Community in Palabek, reflected on Br. Hubert’s life and mission. He described Br. Hubert as a man who came into the world with a mission and dedicated himself generously to serving others particularly young people, refugees and people who were often overlooked by society.
His connection to the mission in Palabek went back even before his physical arrival in the settlement. While serving as Provincial Economer in Rwanda, Br. Hubert strongly supported the establishment of a Salesian presence in Palabek, motivated by the needs of young people affected by conflict and displacement in the region.
When he eventually served in Palabek, he took on several responsibilities, including Principal of Don Bosco VTC Palabek, Economer and PDO Coordinator. His responsibilities were many, but his concern remained one, how best to serve the people entrusted to the Salesian mission.
Fr. Ubaldino recalled frequently consulting Br. Hubert and seeking his advice on matters concerning the community and its service to young people.
A Champion of Young People
A Life remembered through many voices
The Memorial Mass brought together Salesians, staff members, students, friends, community leaders and representatives from different institutions who had worked with Br. Hubert.
The celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Ubaldino, SDB, together with Rev. Fr. Anaclet, SDB (AGL), Rev. Fr. Diomede, SDB, Rev. Fr. John Bosco, SDB, and Rev. Fr. Morris, SDB (AGL).
Representatives from Lamwo District, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Uganda Police were also present, reflecting the broad network of people and institutions with whom Br. Hubert worked during his service in Palabek.
Their presence and testimonies demonstrated that his work extended beyond the walls of Don Bosco VTC.
LIFE TESTIMONY BY REV. FR. DIOMEDE
Remembering a Friend and Fellow Salesian. May His Soul Rest in Peace
A Joyful and Dedicated Salesian
In 2014, Rev. Fr. Diomede, SDB, first met Br. Hubert in Kabgayi, Rwanda. At the time, Br. Hubert was already serving as a formator in the Salesian novitiate and as local Economer.
Fr. Diomede remembers him as a joyful, playful and approachable person. Despite the responsibilities he carried as a formator and Economer, Br. Hubert maintained a warm personality and enjoyed interacting with those around him. He was known for his sense of humour and ability to bring joy to his confreres.
When Fr. Diomede later left for theological studies in Cameroon, the two could no longer meet regularly. However, they maintained their friendship through telephone conversations. Fr. Diomede recalls Br. Hubert as a person who was always generous with advice and encouragement. Their conversations were often filled with both serious counsel and good-natured jokes, reflecting Br. Hubert's warm and friendly character.
Vision for Young People in the Community
Br. Hubert was a person who looked beyond his immediate responsibilities. He had a strong interest in developing programmes that would respond to the needs of young people and families in the community. Among the initiatives he discussed and supported were the Baby Care Project, opportunities for girls and boys to access driving training through sponsorship, and other programmes aimed at creating opportunities for young people. He also had an interest in using music and creative approaches to encourage refugees. He spoke about the possibility of composing Educational, encouraging songs for refugees, reminding them to remain hopeful, strong in faith and committed to their future through the Salesian formative approach. These reflected his desire to see our mission respond to the present needs of the community, and also to its future.
A Legacy of Service
Those who knew Br. Hubert will remember him not simply because of the circumstances surrounding his death, but because of the way he lived his life. He will be remembered for his smile, hard work, simplicity, straightforwardness, approachability and love for young people. He was a person who gave himself generously to his vocation and to the people entrusted to his care. His life reminds us that greatness is not always found in extraordinary achievements. Sometimes, it is found in the ordinary acts of service performed with extraordinary love. The Don Bosco community gives thanks to God for the gift of Br. Hubert's life, his Salesian vocation, his friendship, his service and his pastoral commitment. His presence touched many lives, particularly those of young people whom he served with dedication. Above all, his life was a testimony to the Salesian belief that serving God means serving others, especially the young and those most in need.
Serving Young People During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Their paths crossed again during the difficult period of 2019–2020, when the COVID-19 crisis brought hardship to many families and communities. During this time, Br. Hubert continued to support children and young people in Rwanda by helping provide food, clothing and other basic necessities. His actions reflected his commitment to the Salesian mission of being close to young people, especially those facing difficult circumstances. He was not only concerned about their wellbeing in words but also sought practical ways to support them. This was a clear reflection of his compassion, generosity and dedication to serving others.
His Mission in Palabek
Br. Hubert served as Principal of Don Bosco VTC Palabek, while Fr. Diomede served as Deputy Principal. Their close collaboration meant that they worked together on many aspects of the institution's mission. Fr. Diomede humorously recalled that, at times, their responsibilities were so closely connected that one could hardly tell where the work of the Principal ended and that of the Deputy Principal began. Despite the demanding nature of their responsibilities, Br. Hubert remained cooperative and approachable. He did not allow differences in responsibilities to become a source of conflict, but instead worked with his confreres in a spirit of collaboration for the benefit of the young people.
His Mission in Palabek
Br. Hubert's commitment to young people remained evident until the final journey of his life. He travelled to Kampala to facilitate the registration of Don Bosco VTC students for UVTAB examinations. During the same journey, he also intended to visit an optician regarding his eyes before proceeding to Rwanda to participate in the ordination celebrations of fellow Salesians who were being ordained to the priesthood and diaconate. It was during this journey, after reaching Mpigi District, that Br. Hubert was involved in a tragic road accident and lost his life. His sudden passing brought deep sorrow to his confreres, students, colleagues, friends and the wider Don Bosco community.
Not Only How He Died, But How He Lived
I have fought the good fight
2 Timothy 4:7
As the community entrusted Br. Hubert’s soul to the loving hands of God, the words of St. Paul offered a fitting reflection on his life. Perhaps the most powerful tribute to Br. Hubert is not found in the circumstances of his death, but in the testimony of the life he lived.
HE WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS
Faith
Hard work
Love for young people
Service to others
Commitment
Honesty
What People Think & Say About Br Hubert Twagirayezu
His life reminds us that a lasting legacy is often built through countless ordinary acts of service carried out with extraordinary love. For the Don Bosco Palabek community, his contribution will continue to be remembered in the lives of the students he served, the colleagues he worked with, the projects he supported and the people he encouraged
On behalf of the Salesians, Rev. Fr. Diomede, SDB, shared personal memories of Br. Hubert and reflected on their years of friendship and collaboration.
Speaking on behalf of the staff, remembered Br. Hubert as someone who strongly supported the education of girls and was passionate about creating opportunities for young people
Speaking on behalf of the Don Bosco VTC student fraternity, described Br. Hubert as a simple and committed Principal who cared deeply about the students. He recalled that Br. Hubert could remain in his office until late in the evening—sometimes as late as 10:00 p.m.—because of his commitment to completing his work and serving the young people entrusted to him.
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