On Monday, June 8, at the Italian Ambassador’s Residence in Kampala, Father Giuseppe Clerici, a Comboni missionary, was awarded the honor of Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy.
During the ceremony, the Italian Ambassador to Uganda, Mauro Massoni, paid tribute to Father Clerici’s decades of missionary service, emphasizing his tireless commitment to the most vulnerable communities: “You have always been close to the poorest, to those in need.” Through this honor, bestowed by the President of the Italian Republic, “we wish to pay homage to the great work you have done in this country and, at the same time, remember all the Italian missionaries who have dedicated their lives not only to proclaiming the Gospel but also to promoting human dignity through countless activities in the fields of education and healthcare.”
Arriving in Uganda in 1965, Father Giuseppe Clerici spent over sixty years in the north of the country, becoming a point of reference for the local population and distinguishing himself for his pastoral, educational, and humanitarian service even during the most difficult years during which the region was plagued by bloody conflicts. Known by the Acholi, the people of that region, as “Larem” (friend), Father Clerici continues to be a witness of faith, solidarity, and dedication to others today..
