The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has called upon Christian leaders and believers to emulate Jesus Christ by living as the salt and light of the earth, challenging them to preserve their Christian testimony and positively influence society for the glory of God.
He made the remarks during his sermon at the installation of Ven. Eldard Twikyirize Rukuru as Archdeacon of Bwambara Archdeaconry at St. John's Church of Uganda, Bwambara, on Sunday, derived from Matthew 5:13–16.
Whilst preaching, Bishop Asiimwe described Jesus Christ as the greatest teacher the world has ever known, noting that His use of illustrations remains relevant today. He urged Christians, particularly leaders, to maintain holiness and integrity while serving as agents of transformation in their communities.
On the biblical symbolism of salt, Bishop Asiimwe explained that salt serves as a preservative and highlighted its historical significance, noting that in the ancient Roman Empire it was at times used as payment for soldiers. He encouraged believers to guard their spiritual “saltiness” by living righteous lives.
“You are the salt of the earth. Keep that saltiness within you. Guard yourselves and the salt that is in you. When you sin, you lose your dignity, even when you later repent,” he said.
Bishop Asiimwe warned against immorality and compromise among Christians, emphasizing that believers must remain distinct from worldly influences. He noted that when leaders lose their spiritual effectiveness, they cease to be a blessing and instead become a burden to those they lead.
He further cautioned Christians against backsliding, stressing the dangers of neglecting prayer, worship, and fellowship with God.
According to him, spiritual complacency creates opportunities for the devil to work, while genuine repentance restores a believer’s relationship with God and spiritual glory.
Turning to the illustration of light, Bishop Asiimwe said that light is visible and serves as a guide to others. He challenged Christians to become examples worthy of imitation and reminded the congregation that darkness exists only where light is absent.
“Be light to the people you lead. Mind what you say and where you say it from,” he said.
Referencing John 8:12, Bishop Asiimwe reminded worshippers that Jesus Christ is the true source of light. He explained that just as the moon reflects light from the sun, Christians derive their light from Christ. He challenged believers to take the Gospel to those still trapped in sin, including alcoholism, immorality, sorcery, witchcraft, and other forms of spiritual darkness.
“I do not want to be deceived by the worship and praise I have seen here today. Many people are still lost in clubs, lodges, drunkenness, fornication, sorcery, and witchcraft. Take the Gospel to them and expel the darkness,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to evangelism, Bishop Asiimwe described mission work as the lifeline of the Church and emphasized that preaching the Gospel remains his highest priority.
“My greatest joy is seeing people turning to Christ. Preaching the Gospel is my priority. Mission is the lifeline of the Church. Evangelism should be the priority of the Church—that is where my heart is,” he said.
Bishop Asiimwe noted that the preaching of the Gospel transforms lives and inspires people to support God’s work.
During the service, more than 150 people reportedly received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Drawing from the teachings of author Stephen Covey, Bishop Asiimwe advised the newly installed Archdeacon to “begin with the end in mind,” encouraging him to plan wisely for his future ministry and retirement. He reminded church leaders that finishing ministry well is more important than simply starting well.
Addressing the newly installed Archdeacon, he cited an old Chinese adage, saying, “The higher the monkey climbs, the more it exposes its nakedness.”
“Ven. Rukuru, you’re now in a tree and many people are seeing you.”
Bishop Asiimwe further encouraged Ven. Rukuru to become a source of spiritual attraction that draws people closer to God, explaining that the anointing upon a servant of God should inspire people to seek Christ.
“The anointing attracts, and that is what light does. The young and old come to you. The only thing that should drive people away is sin,” he said.
The Bishop’s wife, Ms Florence Asiimwe, encouraged Ven. Rukuru and his wife, Lydia Rukuru, to depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they assume their new responsibilities.
“Listen to the highest teacher, the Holy Spirit. He will teach you in this role and ministry. Trust in the Lord as you serve, and let prayer be your weapon,” she said.
Ms Asiimwe also called upon Christians to support the Archdeacon and his wife in ministry and encouraged churches to continue observing Mary’s Day annually while considering the celebration of Mary Magdalene’s Day among members of the Christian Women Fellowship.
During the same function, Brig. Gen. Justus Rukundo, Commandant of the Oliver Reginald Tambo (ORT) School of Leadership and Pan-African Center of Excellence in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District, disclosed his desire to pursue theological studies. He said doing so would fulfill his late father’s wish that he become a reverend.
“I will soon come for a recommendation letter from the Archdeacon as I prepare to pursue further studies in theology,” he said.
Former Rujumbura County Member of Parliament aspirant Frank Arinaitwe Rukanirwa, commended Bishop Asiimwe for championing evangelism and community development initiatives, particularly coffee growing and support for education.
“Personally, I had never grown coffee, but because of your call for growing coffee, I have planted it,” he said.
Rukanirwa also praised the Bishop’s efforts in restoring schools such as Makobore High School and Kinyasano Girls High School.
“We appreciate your zeal in restoring schools such as Makobore High School and Kinyasano Girls High School,” he said.
Rukanirwa pledged his support to the newly installed Archdeacon and encouraged Christians to set aside political differences, hatred, and malice in order to promote unity and development.
As part of his contribution, Rukanirwa purchased twenty pairs of eyeglasses for elderly people worth Shs 200,000 and pledged support toward the construction of Emmanuel Cathedral.
In his remarks, Ven. Rukuru expressed gratitude to Bishop Asiimwe for entrusting him with the responsibility of serving as Archdeacon of Bwambara Archdeaconry.
“I commit myself to work with all Christians as we preach the Gospel and expand the Kingdom of God. Thank you all for standing with us on this special day,” he said.
The Head of Laity for Bwambara Archdeaconry, John Monday, also thanked Bishop Onesimus and Ms Florence Asiimwe for their commitment to evangelism and spiritual revival within North Kigezi Diocese.
“We thank you for the conferences, prayer gatherings, and fasting programs that have strengthened the Diocese. We pledge to continue supporting the work of God and working closely with the Bishop’s office,” he said.