Retired Archdeacon of South Ankole Diocese, Rev. Canon James Ndyanabo Rutaraka, has called on clergy in North Kigezi Diocese to prioritise personal spiritual growth, unity and holy living in order to serve effectively in ministry.
Delivering the main teaching from 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 during a clergy retreat and the June 2026 Monthly Fellowship at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano in Rukungiri District on Wednesday, Canon Rutaraka challenged clergy to reflect deeply on their divine calling and remain faithful to the God who chose them.
“Consider your call. Your calling is from the great God, and therefore you must guard it carefully,” he said.
“Look back at your life history. You were not worthy, but now you are a priest. Think about the God who qualified you for that role and ask yourself whether you are living for Him.”
The retired cleric warned against lifestyles that contradict the priestly calling, including alcoholism, adultery and other forms of immoral conduct. He said clergy are called to present Christ crucified to the people rather than imitate worldly behaviour.
“You are not supposed to look like them—dressing like prostitutes, moving in bars and lodges in the name of winning people. Differ from them and present Christ crucified on the cross,” he said.
Canon Rutaraka further urged clergy to focus on inner transformation rather than outward appearances, noting that effective ministry flows from a transformed heart.
He also cautioned clergy against what he described as “two diseases in ministry.”
The first, he said, is starting too many church projects that burden Christians financially and eventually fail. The second is serving with selfish motives, particularly when clergy focus on personal gain rather than the spiritual wellbeing of their congregations.
“Some ask, ‘What will I eat from this church where I have been posted?’ That should not be the focus of ministry,” he said.
Canon Rutaraka encouraged priests to invest spiritually in their congregants through teaching, prayer and discipleship, emphasising that a parish belongs to God and that clergy are merely stewards entrusted with its care.
“The parish is not yours; you are just a manager. Ask the Owner—God—to guide you on how to use your managerial skills to lead His parish,” he said.
Drawing from Ephesians 2:14–16, Canon Rutaraka observed that many Christians continue to live behind walls of hostility manifested through hatred, alcoholism, smoking, theft, witchcraft, sorcery and sexual immorality.
He challenged clergy to preach in ways that break down such barriers and bring people into reconciliation with God.
However, he stressed that ministers must first confront their own spiritual weaknesses before seeking to transform others.
“Before you destroy the walls of hostility in the people, first destroy the walls of hostility in you. If it is the love of money, destroy it. If it is the love of alcohol, destroy it. Then you will become a true tool of transformation,” he said.
Canon Rutaraka also encouraged clergy to maintain disciplined and presentable lifestyles, noting that preaching is communicated not only through words but also through personal conduct and appearance.
In his remarks, the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, emphasised that prayer remains the foundation of pastoral ministry.
“A prayerless pastor is a powerless pastor. Prayer should not be a burden,” he said.
Quoting renowned English preacher Charles Spurgeon, Bishop Asiimwe added: “I would rather teach one man to pray than ten men to preach.”
He encouraged clergy to emulate the prayer life of Jesus as demonstrated in Luke 11:1, seek solitary places for prayer and consistently practise adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication.
“You need God daily. That is why you must pray every day. Prayer is an expression that you rely on God,” he added.
Bishop Asiimwe further called on clergy to pray for the nation, families and the Church, observing that Uganda and the wider world are in need of God’s intervention.
During the fellowship, clergy elected a new leadership committee chaired by Rubiriizi Archdeacon Ven. Captain Jallon Atusinguza, with Munyeganyegye Parish Priest Rev. Jolly Tumwesigye serving as vice chairperson.
Kyabugashe Archdeacon Ven. Amos Katushabe was elected secretary, while Kyatoko Parish Priest Rev. Edson Ampeire was elected vice secretary.
Rev. Benson Amanya, the Diocesan Youth Coordinator and Chaplain of Makobore High School, was elected publicity secretary.
Rev Dickens Baguma, dean of Emmanuel Cathedral, was elected treasurer, while Diocesan Education Coordinator Rev. Evas Arinaitwe was elected committee member.
The newly elected committee was later commissioned by Bishop Asiimwe.