The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt Rev Onesimus Asiimwe, has urged Parish Heads of Laity to uphold faithful, accountable and Christ-centred leadership while working closely with clergy to strengthen governance and ministry in the Church.
Bishop Asiimwe made the remarks during a one-day leadership training workshop for Parish Heads of Laity held at the Emmanuel Cathedral Consecration Site in Kinyasano, Rukungiri District.
The training was organised as part of the Diocese’s efforts to strengthen leadership structures and improve governance within the Church.
Bishop Asiimwe said the workshop was intended to bring together Parish Heads of Laity to help them understand their roles and responsibilities while building stronger working relationships among leaders.
He reminded the participants that holding a leadership position in the Church does not automatically guarantee spiritual growth or salvation, urging them to live exemplary Christian lives.
The Bishop said serving as a Head of Laity requires commitment to faith, humility and service to others.
Preaching from John 15:16, he reminded the leaders that they were chosen by God to serve through His grace and not because they were better than others.
“God chose you to serve not because you are better than others, but by His grace. Therefore, serve faithfully, remain humble, and let your leadership reflect the character of Christ,” he said.
Bishop Asiimwe encouraged the leaders to promote coffee growing on Church land and among Christians, saying the crop provides greater economic benefits compared to eucalyptus trees.
He said coffee production could support both the Church and individual households by creating sustainable income opportunities.
The Bishop also clarified that the office of Head of Laity does not place one above the clergy, urging leaders to respect Church structures and work closely with parish priests.
“A Head of Laity is not the head of the clergy. Work together with your parish priest, respect the Church's structures, and build unity because conflict between clergy and lay leaders weakens ministry and discourages Christians,” he said.
He urged the leaders to understand Church policies, mobilise resources, identify people with potential for ministry and serve as role models within their congregations.
Bishop Asiimwe cautioned against conflicts between clergy and lay leaders, saying disagreements can undermine ministry and discourage Christians from actively participating in Church activities.
He further encouraged Parish Heads of Laity to promote unity by listening to both clergy and Christians rather than creating divisions or encouraging negative attitudes towards pastors.
The Diocesan Internal Auditor, Michael Mukiza, asked the leaders to practise accountable management of Church resources through proper record keeping, documentation and reporting.
The Diocesan Treasurer, Olivia Tumwebaze, explained how the Diocesan quota is collected and utilised, noting that the largest portion supports staff salaries while the remainder caters for administration.
Tumwebaze encouraged Parish Heads of Laity to work closely with the Diocesan Empowerment Team, saying the initiative is designed to support all parishes in improving financial sustainability and is not only meant for those struggling to meet diocesan obligations.
