The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has challenged the newly installed Archdeacon of Bwanga Archdeaconry, Ven. Amatsiko Niwegariho, to faithfully preach the true Gospel, shepherd God's people with humility, and remain steadfast in the ministry entrusted to him.
Speaking on Sunday during Ven. Niwegariho's installation service, Bishop Asiimwe said the charge aligns with the vision he unveiled during his consecration and enthronement in March 2023, when he committed himself to "increasing corporate prayer and healing services in all churches for revival."
Preaching from 1 Peter 5:1–11, Bishop Asiimwe reminded clergy that they serve under the delegated authority of Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd, and therefore have a sacred responsibility to faithfully care for God's flock.
He urged Ven. Niwegariho to feed God's people through the faithful preaching of Scripture, pray for the sick, care for the elderly, and minister to people from all walks of life without discrimination.
"Feed the Lord's flock through faithful preaching of God's Word and serve His people with humility, remembering that you are serving under the authority of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ," Bishop Asiimwe said.
The Bishop emphasized that the Church must remain responsive to the changing needs of society, noting that every believer deserves pastoral care regardless of their background or personal circumstances.
He further encouraged the new Archdeacon to comfort the brokenhearted, restore those living in sin, and proclaim the Gospel of salvation rather than seeking personal comfort or recognition.
"Lead as a servant, comfort the broken, restore those living in sin, and preach the true Gospel that brings salvation," he said.
Bishop Asiimwe also called on Christians to support their new spiritual leader through prayer, cooperation, and active participation in the ministry of the Church.
Speaking after his installation, Ven. Amatsiko Niwegariho, accompanied by his wife Grace, thanked God for His faithfulness throughout his ministry and expressed gratitude to the diocesan leadership for entrusting him with the new responsibility.
He pledged to work closely with Bishop Asiimwe in advancing the Gospel and strengthening the Diocese's mission of evangelism and spiritual renewal.
"We thank God for His faithfulness and the confidence the Diocese has placed in us. We pray that God grants us wisdom, strength and grace as we begin this new ministry," Ven. Niwegariho said.
The Guest of Honour, Rubabo County Member of Parliament Mathias Rwabugumi, represented by Gad Zikehemura, congratulated the new Archdeacon and pledged continued support towards the growth of the Church.
He also announced plans for a thanksgiving fundraiser scheduled for August to mobilise resources for the construction and completion of the new church sanctuary.
On behalf of Christians, the Head of Laity, Patrick Muhangi, welcomed Ven. Amatsiko and Grace Niwegariho to Bwanga Archdeaconry and thanked Bishop Asiimwe for appointing them to serve the faithful.
Through speeches, songs and poems, Christians pledged to support the new Archdeacon's ministry, promote coffee growing as a source of household income, and work together towards completing the new church sanctuary, whose construction is currently at the foundation stage.
Born in 1976, Ven. Niwegariho holds a Diploma in Education and a Bachelor of Divinity.
Before joining ordained ministry, he served in Compassion-supported projects within North Kigezi Diocese.
Since his ordination, he has served as Chaplain of Kinyasano Girls' High School, Vicar of Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano, Parish Priest of St. John's Church of Uganda Rumbugu, Archdeacon of Rujumbura Archdeaconry, and Dean of Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano before his appointment as Archdeacon of Bwanga Archdeaconry.
He is married to Grace Niwegariho, and together they have five children.
The installation service was attended by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Munturive Nshaba Ruhanga; the Dean of Emmanuel Cathedral, the Very Rev. Dickens Baguma; Archdeacons Rev. Canon Polycarp Katwesigye, Ven. Amos Katushabe, Ven. Edson Muhairwe and Ven. Benson Akankwatsa; the Diocesan Education Coordinator, Rev. Evas Arinaitwe; clergy from Bwanga Archdeaconry; the North Kigezi Diocese Mother's Union President, Joan Muntungi; the Father's Union President, Peter Tuhairwe; the Mayor of Rukungiri Municipality, Boaz Kansiime Matita; former Diocesan Head of Laity Abel Turyabe Matita; head teachers, retired clergy, and hundreds of Christians.
