The Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) mourns the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Sr. Mary Lilly Driciru, MSMMC (Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church) who tragically lost her life on November 8, 2025. Sr. Lilly was the AFJN Coordinator for the Women Empowerment Project (WEP) in Uganda and a dedicated advocate for justice, peace, and human rights.
Sr. Lilly’s tireless work with AFJN’s WEP had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities. Her passion, compassion, and commitment to empowering marginalized voices inspired all who knew her. Her unwavering dedication to promoting justice and peace in Africa was a shining example of hope and courage.
We will deeply miss Sr. Lilly’s warmth, wisdom, and generosity. Her absence will be felt by all who had the privilege of working with her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her religious community, family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, dear Sr. Lilly. Your legacy will live on through the countless lives you touched and the work that will continue in your memory.
- Read the “Our team leader has left us to meet with God” post by the Congregation of Mary Mother of the Church” post here.
- Read the Facebook Post from the Uganda Episcopal Conference here.
- Watch the tribute video by the Uganda Episcopal Conference here.
(AFJN will update this page as more information becomes available about her Funeral Mass.)
Join AFJN in Prayer
May the God who loved you unconditionally grant you peaceful rest. May our Blessed Mother Mary welcome you home. We love you! We know your spirit lives on with the AFJN organization. May you intercede for our world. Go in peace until we meet again. Amen!
“Lift yourself to Him who has lowered himself for you.” Gemma Golgani
Sr. Lilly’s Contributions to AFJN
AFJN will be forever grateful for Sr. Lilly’s contributions. We are so very thankful to have this selection of her published work with AFJN to share with you now:
- Read Sr. Lilly’s July 31, 2025 article “Women and Community Empowerment in Karamoja Uganda”
- Watch the videos of Sr. Lilly on AFJN’s YouTube Channel talking about the great work she helped lead in Uganda:
- “AFJN interview with Sr. Mary Lilly Driciru Karamoja, Uganda” from April 2025 https://youtu.be/VDDpe6uOke4
- Sr. Lilly on the 40th Anniversary Panel “Highlights from the Field: Transforming Hearts and Minds” from October 2023
- Sr. Lilly on the panel of the “Tackling Human Trafficking in Africa: Catholic Sisters Share Successful Advocacy Strategies” webinar from April 2023 here.
- Sr. Lilly speaking on “A Brief History of AFJN Uganda” from May 2021