The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has called on Christians to prioritise prayer in their families and daily lives, emphasising that spiritual growth and effective ministry are rooted in a strong prayer life.
Bishop Asiimwe made the remarks during the installation of Ven. Benson Akankwatsa as the new Archdeacon of Rujumbura Archdeaconry at All Saints Church, Rukungiri, on Sunday.
Ven. Akankwatsa takes on the new role after serving as Archdeacon of Buhunga Archdeaconry from January 2024 to the end of 2025.
Bishop Asiimwe described him as a humble, hard-working, and committed servant of God, devoted to ministry.
In his sermon, Bishop Asiimwe urged the newly installed Archdeacon and Christians at large to shun evil and hate sin while giving glory to God in all circumstances. He cautioned that the presence of the Holy Spirit is what distinguishes believers, warning that without it, “one becomes ordinary.”
Referencing 1 Chronicles 4:9, Bishop Asiimwe underscored the importance of both personal and corporate prayer.
“The Church can only grow through prayer,” he said.
Addressing Ven. Akankwatsa directly, Bishop Asiimwe urged him to remain focused on God’s calling, highlighting the challenges of leading people with diverse and sometimes difficult expectations. He emphasised that success in such a role can only be achieved through steadfast prayer and reliance on God.
Bishop Asiimwe also condemned the practice of some Christians who profess faith while seeking help from shrines, describing it as hypocrisy. He further advised clergy to work diligently and abandon a poverty mindset, encouraging them to plan early for retirement by investing in stable homes.
In his acceptance remarks, Ven. Akankwatsa pledged to support the Bishop in all assignments and committed to working closely with both clergy and laity to advance evangelism within the Archdeaconry.
Rukungiri Municipality Member of Parliament, Dr Elisa Rutahigwa, who attended the function, congratulated the new archdeacon and expressed gratitude to believers for their support during the January general elections.
The Guest of Honour, Afande Henry Akatutungisa, commended Ven. Akankwatsa for his humility, integrity, gentleness, and transparency, particularly in the management of church finances.
Other dignitaries present included Rev. Munturive Nshaba Ruhanga, the Diocesan Secretary; the Very Rev. Dickens Baguma, Dean of Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano; and several archdeacons from across the diocese.
Among them were Ven. Enock Karamuzi (Nyabiteete), Ven. Andrew Kananura (Kakinga), Ven. Eldard Rukuru (Bwambara), Ven. Edson Muhairwe (Kashenyi), Ven. Canon Polycarp Katwesigye (Kyamakanda), Ven. Amatsiko Niwegariho (Bwanga), and Ven. Ronald Natuhwera (Nyakagyeme).
Also in attendance was Rev. Frank Kiconco, Vicar of All Saints Church Rukungiri and the Bishop’s Chaplain.