The Church of Uganda (CoU) has confirmed Mbarara City, Ankole Diocese, as the host for the Provincial Annual Youths and Students Convention (PAYSCO) 2025.
The four-day event will take place at Mbarara High School from December 8 to 11, with Bishop Stuart University serving as the lead institution.
This year marks the launch of a new rotational regional hosting model, beginning with the Western Region.
The announcement was made during a media briefing at the Ankole Diocesan Offices in Ruharo on Monday.
Provincial Treasurer Balaam Muheebwa, representing Provincial Secretary Rev. Canon William Ongeng, was joined by key diocesan leaders, coordinators, and representatives from Bishop Stuart University and Mbarara High School, all affirming their readiness to support the convention.
Muheebwa noted that the new regional model aims to increase youth participation and engagement across the Province, with the Eastern Region scheduled to host PAYSCO 2026.
He commended the Ankole Diocese, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara High School, and the leadership of the 15 Western Region dioceses for their collaboration.
This year’s theme, “Leadership that Imitates God’s Goodness” (Galatians 6:9–10), will be led by Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe, Bishop of South Ankole Diocese, as the main expositor. P
reparations are underway, with the Provincial Youth and Students Department having visited 14 dioceses in the Western Cluster for mobilization and sensitization.
Contributions from dioceses have been generous. South Ankole Diocese donated a bull and funds, East Ruwenzori Diocese provided goats, matooke, and cash, while Kinkiizi, West Ankole, North Ankole, North West Ankole, North Kigezi, Ruwenzori, Ankole, and Muhabura dioceses contributed various resources.
Each delegate will pay Shs80,000 to cover accommodation, meals, learning materials, and logistics, and dioceses, families, and parishes are encouraged to continue supporting youth participation.
Diocesan Secretary Rev. Canon Edison Abasa confirmed ongoing coordination with Bishop Stuart University and Mbarara High School to ensure security, logistics, and smooth planning.
He emphasized that PAYSCO remains a vital platform for nurturing Christian leadership among youth and students across Uganda.
Well-wishers and partners are invited to support preparations through official Church of Uganda accounts:
- Stanbic Bank: Provincial Youth & Students Ministry, 9030026582384
- PostBank (Pearl Bank): COU – Provincial Youth & Students Ministry, 4090000000005
- Equity Bank: Provincial Youth & Students Ministry, 1039201331587