The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has urged young people to fully embrace salvation, holiness, and sexual purity as the foundation of a strong Christian life.
He made the remarks on Friday as thousands of youth and students from across the Diocese of Kigezi gathered at Rugarama Convention Site in Kabale District for the opening of the annual Diocesan Youth and Students Convention 2026.
The convention, held under the provincial theme, “Anchored for Unity, Stability and Peace,” drawn from Ephesians 2:14–17, officially began on Friday and will conclude on Monday.
It was officially opened by the Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, while Bishop Asiimwe delivered the opening sermon.
Preaching from Ephesians 2:11–22, Bishop Asiimwe urged participants to always remember where God brought them from, emphasizing that salvation gives Christians a new identity in Christ.
“Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God,” he said, urging the youth to reject divisions based on tribe or background because Christ is the unifying factor for all believers.
Referring to Christ as the “Chief Cornerstone,” Bishop Asiimwe noted that Jesus gives believers stability and strength even in difficult moments.
“The anchor still holds, even for those struggling with sin, because God gives a second chance,” he said.
Bishop Asiimwe also warned against increasing sexual immorality among young people, referencing the adulterous woman in the Gospel of John, chapter 8, and Christ’s teaching in the Gospel of Matthew 5:28.
“If you do not confess your sin, your sin will confess you,” he said, while encouraging the youth to live lives of repentance and holiness.
Bishop Asiimwe further challenged young people to remain patriotic and love their country while pursuing bigger visions beyond Uganda’s borders.
In his testimony, he shared how God transformed his life after youthful years marked by chain smoking, excessive drinking, and stealing books from the university library before he surrendered his life to Christ.
The opening service concluded with more than 100 youth reportedly giving their lives to Christ during the altar call.
The convention continues throughout the weekend with prayers, worship, Bible teaching, and youth-centered sessions expected to attract even more participants before its conclusion on Monday.