The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has commended the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Onesimus Asiimwe, for his transformative leadership and commitment to both spiritual growth and socio-economic development.
Archbishop Kaziimba made the remarks during celebrations marking three years of Bishop Asiimwe’s episcopal ministry at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano in Rukungiri District on Sunday.
The thanksgiving service also formed part of the Archbishop’s farewell tour across dioceses ahead of his expected retirement on August 18, 2027, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 65 as stipulated in the canons of the Church of Uganda.
During the service, Archbishop Kaziimba praised Bishop Asiimwe for strengthening evangelism and promoting development initiatives within the Diocese.
He also highlighted the bishop’s growing influence within the global Anglican community, noting his role as East Africa Regional Secretary for the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans and his service on the Provincial Tribunal of the Church of Uganda.
He further commended the bishop’s efforts in advancing the construction of the diocesan cathedral, improving education institutions, and mobilising Christians for spiritual renewal through prayer, fasting, and evangelistic crusades.
Archbishop Kaziimba also cautioned critics who oppose the election of clergy from outside a diocese to serve as bishops in areas where they were not born, emphasising the universal nature of the Church.
“We are a global Church where anyone can serve anywhere as long as they qualify. I was Bishop of Mityana though I was born in Mukono. I am grateful that you welcomed Bishop Asiimwe and supported him,” he said.
In his remarks, Bishop Asiimwe thanked Archbishop Kaziimba for his servant leadership and encouragement to the people of North Kigezi Diocese following the death of the former bishop, Benon Magezi, who died of COVID-19 on June 15, 2021.
Following Magezi’s death, the Archbishop appointed retired Bishop Patrick Tugume Tusingwire to oversee the diocese until Asiimwe was elected by the House of Bishops on January 18, 2023 and later consecrated on March 12, 2023.
Bishop Asiimwe also praised Archbishop Kaziimba for championing the Church’s vision of self-sustainability, citing achievements such as clearing the Shs50 billion debt on Church House and strengthening the Church’s global engagement through platforms such as GAFCON.
Speaking on behalf of Christians, Diocesan Head of Laity Abel Turyabe Matiita commended Bishop Asiimwe for visionary leadership that has strengthened evangelism, education, and community development.
The function was officiated by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who was represented by Security Minister Jim Muhwezi.
In her message, Alupo applauded the Church for its contribution to national development and urged Christians to embrace government programmes such as Parish Development Model and Emyooga to improve household incomes.
During the celebrations, more than Shs200 million was raised to support the ongoing construction of Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano.
The event attracted several church leaders, government officials, and thousands of Christians from across the diocese.
