Joy and celebration filled the hearts of hundreds of believers as they convened to witness the consecration of, St John’s Katungu Church of Uganda in North Kigezi Diocese.
The service was officiated by Retired Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt. Rev. George Katwesigye, under the delegation of the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev Onesimus Asiimwe.
Established in 1928, St John’s Katungu Church of Uganda is currently vying for parish status.
It is among the three churches that were approved by the Diocesan Council during its meeting held on Friday, 2 January 2026.
The church now awaits final approval from the Diocesan Synod, scheduled to sit on 20th and 21st March 2026.
In his sermon, Bishop Katwesigye called upon Christians of Katungu Church of Uganda to remain deeply rooted in Christ in order to nurture a healthy and growing church.
Referencing Colossians 2:1–7, Bishop Katwesigye highlighted key principles necessary for church growth. He described the church as one whose members have courageous hearts and are knit together in love, as Christ commanded believers to love one another.
He further emphasized that a healthy church must be grounded in knowledge, noting that true knowledge is found in Christ.
Bishop Katwesigye also stressed the importance of prayer, saying that a prayerful church is a powerful church, and that no power on earth can withstand a church that is committed to prayer.
“For the church to grow, it will need prayerful Christians,” he said, urging the church to remain disciplined and orderly, understanding and respecting its structures.
“We are soldiers of Christ, therefore we must be orderly. When the Lord Jesus says do this, do it,” he said.
Bishop Katwesigye further reminded believers that true life is found in Christ Jesus, referring to the parable of the vine and the branches, and encouraged the church to remain steadfast in the faith they first received, without being swayed by false teachings. He also called upon Christians to live lives full of thanksgiving.
Bishop Katwesigye warned against churches that deviate from biblical truth and follow worldly practices. He particularly cautioned believers against abandoning the Christian faith and embracing practices contrary to biblical teaching. He challenged Christians to prioritize salvation, noting that true peace can only be found in Christ.
Christians were also urged to be aware of the mushrooming deceptive churches that do not operate according to biblical principles and were encouraged to avoid them.
Speaking during the service, Elder Emmanuel Kikoni encouraged Christians to work together to develop their church infrastructure so that it can accommodate the growing number of believers. He described Katungu as a church whose members are committed to loving Christ and willing to contribute towards its development.
Other dignitaries present included the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Munturive Nshaba Ruhanga; Bishop’s Commissary, Rev. Canon Nathan Kiribete; Archdeacon of Bwanga Archdeaconry, Ven. Amatsiko Niwegariho; Archdeacon of Kyamakanda Archdeaconry, Ven. Canon Polycarp Katwesigye; clergy and laity from Bwanga Archdeaconry; and the laity of St John’s Katungu Church of Uganda.
