The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt Rev. Onesmus Asiimwe, has issued a strong warning against the increasing cases of sexual immorality and adultery among church leaders, urging a return to integrity, discipline, and genuine repentance within the church.
While presiding over a confirmation service at Rwanyanja Church of Uganda on Saturday, Bishop Asiimwe spoke candidly about moral decay within church leadership.
Bishop Asiimwe revealed that he had recently received a disturbing report involving a church leader accused of attempting to engage a young girl in inappropriate conduct. According to him, the girl bravely recorded the incident using her smartphone and later shared the video as evidence.
“Such incidents expose deeper moral concerns within church leadership. Some individuals present themselves as faithful servants while engaging in misconduct behind the scenes. Such behaviour is unbiblical,” he said.
Bishop Asiimwe encouraged girls and women—often the most vulnerable—to boldly document and report such behaviour, urging them to submit credible evidence directly to his office and assuring them that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken.
Bishop Asiimwe further called upon Christians, particularly church leaders, to embrace sincere repentance, strengthen their faith, and uphold moral discipline as essential steps toward overcoming temptation and restoring the dignity of the Church.
During the same ceremony, a fundraising drive led by the head of laity, Boaz Ruteera Kwesiga, was conducted to support the construction of a new church building. In support of the construction project, the North Kigezi Diocese contributed Shs 1 million.
Speaking at the event, Kwesiga expressed gratitude to the bishop and the congregation for their generosity and unity. He reported that the fundraising efforts yielded Shs 31 million in cash along with 200 bags of cement, bringing the total contribution to Shs 38 million.
He pledged continued commitment to ensuring that the church construction project is completed before Christmas 2026, emphasising that supporting church initiatives and assisting the needy is a way of giving back to God.
Bishop Asiimwe commended the congregation for their generosity, unity, and commitment to serving God, noting that such efforts reflect humanity and resilience in overcoming life challenges through faith. He encouraged believers, especially those facing poverty, to remain hopeful, trust in God, and actively work to improve their livelihoods.
He highlighted coffee growing as one practical avenue for economic empowerment.
However, Bishop Asiimwe expressed concern that some Christians treat holy confirmation as a mere ritual rather than a genuine commitment to accepting Jesus Christ as their personal saviour. He urged both young and old to sincerely repent and fully dedicate their lives to Christ before participating in Holy Communion and other sacred practices.
Bishop Asiimwe also condemned the growing trend of organising alcohol-fuelled celebrations for spiritual milestones such as baptism, confirmation, and holy matrimony, calling for more meaningful and respectful observances.
The Parish Priest of Rwanyanja Church of Uganda, Rev. Richard Kwehangana, confirmed that at least 45 Christians were admitted into Holy Communion during the service, while five individuals were baptised after converting from Catholicism to the Protestant faith.
Rev. Kwehangana expressed appreciation to Bishop Asiimwe, church leaders, and the congregation for their unwavering support and reaffirmed his dedication to serving both God and the community.
