LUNDAZI Catholic Parish Priest Father Viateur Banyangandora, who was deported to Rwanda, yesterday returned to Zambia after staying in his native country for four months.

In August last year, Fr Banyangandora was sent back to his country for abrogating immigration laws.

Chipata Catholic Diocese Bishop George Lungu who welcomed Fr Banyangandora at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka confirmed his arrival in an interview yesterday.

Bishop Lungu said the priest arrived in Zambia at 12:00 hours from Rwanda.

"Let me confirm that my son in the name of Fr Banyangandora is with me right now and I will not give him a platform to speak until at an appropriate time, "he said.

The 40-year-old priest, who is a holder of Employment Permit number 008955 issued on November 27, 2006 was allowed back in Zambia after an appeal through his church to the Government.

Fr Banyangandora joined the Association of Zambian Diocesan Catholic Clergy (ADZACC) as a Catholic seminarian refugee.

He studied at Mpima Major Seminary in Kabwe before proceeding to St Mary's Major Seminary in Lusaka. He was ordained Catholic Priest in Chipata Diocese in 2004.

Meanwhile, some church members in Lundazi District have expressed happiness with the return of Fr Banyangandora in the country.

Lundazi St Pauls Parish treasurer Janet Phiri said the return of the priest was a relief to the Christians.

"The joy that has filled the Christians at Lundazi Parish has wiped away their tears," she said.

Catechist at the same parish Moses Nyirenda said the Christians were grateful to the Government and the diocese for allowing the clergyman back in Zambia.