The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has challenged the newly installed Archdeacon of Bwambara Archdeaconry, Ven. Eldard Twikyirize Rukuru, to begin his ministry with the end in mind and remain faithful to God's calling throughout his service.
Speaking during his sermon at Ven. Rukuru’s installation at St. John's Church of Uganda, Bwambara, on Sunday, Bishop Asiimwe thanked Ven. George Bazahuza, the former Archdeacon, for serving diligently for eight years and assured Ven. Rukuru that God, who had called him into ministry, is faithful and would be with him to the very end.
He encouraged the newly installed Archdeacon to begin with the end in mind, noting that "the end of a matter is better than its beginning." He emphasized that what matters most is not how a person starts, but how they finish.
Bishop Asiimwe further urged Christians, whom he described as the salt of the earth, to be careful not to lose their saltiness and become ineffective in influencing society.
He warned that the devil is constantly seeking whom to devour and reminded church leaders that greater responsibility comes with greater expectations.
"To whom much is given, much is expected," he said, urging leaders to serve faithfully and remain committed to their responsibilities.
Bishop Asiimwe also offered hope to those who may have lost their spiritual zeal, saying that Jesus Christ is the only one who can restore their "saltiness."
He encouraged believers to seek genuine forgiveness from Christ, who restores both their glory and purpose.
Bishop Asiimwe reminded Christians that they were created for visibility and influence and advised Ven. Eldard to be mindful of both his actions and words, noting that anointing attracts attention.
He emphasized that while people may possess their own light, true light comes through Jesus Christ.
Bishop Asiimwe observed that some areas in Bwambara continue to experience spiritual darkness because many people have rejected Christ.
He called upon Christians to return to their communities and actively fight against sin, evil, and divisions that emerged during political seasons.
Bishop Asiimwe urged residents to reconcile and work together for the common good, stressing the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence within communities.
He noted that he has prioritized salvation within North Kigezi Diocese by encouraging priests to preach the Gospel so that people can come to Christ.
"A church without salvation is merely a club," he said, adding that the primary mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel and lead people to salvation, which, in turn, contributes to community development.
Speaking during the function, the Head of Laity for Bwambara Archdeaconry, John Mande Rukanirwa, welcomed Ven. Rukuru and pledged the laity's commitment to working with him for the growth and development of the Archdeaconry.
Rukanirwa thanked Bishop Asiimwe for consistently preaching the Gospel of truth and salvation, visiting and praying for people without discrimination, and introducing coffee projects that have benefited many households.
He also appreciated Bishop Asiimwe’s wife, Ms. Florence Asiimwe, for organizing women's conferences that have positively transformed family life among women in the region.
Rukwanira highlighted achievements within the Archdeaconry, including prayers for the sick and the construction of Archdeaconry offices.
However, he noted challenges such as the reduction in the number of boats operating at Rwenshama Fishing Site, which has affected church revenue, and the shortage of teachers at Bwambara Secondary School.
In his remarks, Ven. Rukuru thanked Bishop Asiimwe and the diocesan leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading Bwambara Archdeaconry.
He also expressed gratitude to Christians from all parishes for their support and called for unity among the people of Bwambara during his tenure.
Ven. Rukuru thanked the people of Bwambara for warmly welcoming him and his family into their communities and pledged to work together with them for the growth and development of the Archdeaconry.
Former Rujumbura County Member of Parliament aspirant Frank Arinaitwe Rukanirwa, thanked God for the opportunity to serve in that capacity during the event.
He appreciated Bishop Asiimwe for his continued teachings, particularly on the coffee project initiative, and his efforts to improve education within the diocese.
Rukanirwa commended Bishop Asiimwe for revitalizing schools such as Makobore High School and Kinyasano Girls' High School.
He pledged to work closely with Church leadership for the benefit of Bwambara Archdeaconry and called upon the people of Rujumbura to put aside political differences and work together for development.
"I am ready to work with everyone, whether they voted for me or not, for the good of Rujumbura," he said.