The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has called on Christians in North Kigezi Diocese to remain united and work closely with their bishop as he continues his pastoral visit to the region.
On Friday evening, the Archbishop was received at Kahengye in Kebisoni Town Council, the border point between the dioceses of North Kigezi and South Ankole in the districts of Rukungiri District and Ntungamo District respectively.
The Archbishop was welcomed by Onesimus Asiimwe, the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, together with clergy and lay Christians who gathered to greet him.
Upon arrival, the Archbishop prayed for the laity, students from Kahengye Parents Secondary School and the Christians who had gathered to welcome him.
Accompanied by his chaplain Johnson Kansiime and the Provincial Head of Communications Sadiiki Adams, the Archbishop later proceeded to Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano where he was officially received by the diocesan leadership.
Addressing the congregation, Kaziimba emphasised the importance of unity among Christians in North Kigezi Diocese and urged them to support their bishop.
He described Bishop Asiimwe as a passionate and globally minded church leader committed to serving the Christian community.
“Personally, I chose Bishop Onesimus, and I always delegate some duties to him because I know him as an organised leader who accomplishes the work entrusted to him well,” the Archbishop said.
Bishop Asiimwe was consecrated as the sixth bishop of the diocese on March 12, 2023 after being elected by the House of Bishops on January 18, 2023. Before becoming bishop, he served as chaplain of St Francis Chapel at Makerere University.
He succeeded Benon Magezi, who died from COVID-19 in 2021. Following Magezi’s death, retired bishop Patrick Tugume Tusingwire was appointed to temporarily oversee the diocese until a new bishop was elected and consecrated.
The Archbishop encouraged Christians to support Bishop Asiimwe and his wife Florence, noting that the bishop has gained international recognition.
He recently became Regional General Secretary for East Africa under the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans.
“If you do not support him, many others are watching and may take him because he is an international figure. Bishop Asiimwe is a gift to you, the Christians of North Kigezi Diocese. Support him and he will take you far,” Kaziimba said.
The Archbishop also warned against divisions within the Church, referencing the biblical story of opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls in the Book of Nehemiah.
“Work together with the bishop for the good of your diocese,” he said.
Kaziimba also praised the diocese for sending Edson Masiko, the diocesan health coordinator, to serve at the Provincial Assembly where he is also a member of the Standing Committee.
He described Masiko as a leader who focuses on solutions rather than problems.
“Dr Edson Masiko is a problem solver and not a person who brings problems. Whenever I see his hand raised during meetings, I personally choose him to speak because I know he always has a solution,” he said.
The Archbishop further commended the diocese for its growing visibility in the media through NKD Media and encouraged church leaders to continue using communication platforms responsibly.
“I have personally followed everything that takes place in North Kigezi Diocese. Thank you for using social media profitably,” he said.
However, he cautioned Christians against misusing social media to spread abuse, blackmail or damaging accusations.
“Social media does not forget. Whatever you post will one day come back to you. You still need jobs and partners in marriage. Use it wisely so that you do not miss out on good opportunities because of harmful things you posted online,” he said.
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, the Archbishop is scheduled to visit Kasoroza Church of Uganda in Nyakagyeme Archdeaconry to bid farewell to Christians.
He will then preside over the third anniversary thanksgiving service marking the episcopal ministry of Bishop Asiimwe on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano.
Jessica Alupo, the Vice President of Uganda, is expected to attend the thanksgiving service as the guest of honour.
The service is expected to draw Christians from across North Kigezi Diocese and neighbouring regions.
Kaziimba, who assumed office on March 1, 2020, is expected to retire on August 18, 2027 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65 as stipulated in the canons of the Church of Uganda.
