The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has commended the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Onesimus Asiimwe, for the spiritual and socio-economic transformation registered in the diocese during his leadership.
Archbishop Kaziimba made the remarks on Sunday while presiding over celebrations marking three years of Bishop Asiimwe’s episcopal ministry in North Kigezi Diocese and bidding farewell to the Christians of the diocese during a service held at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano.
The Archbishop praised Bishop Asiimwe for his effective leadership and growing influence within the global Anglican community.
He noted that the bishop has represented the Church of Uganda internationally as the East Africa Regional Secretary for Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), served as a member of the Provincial Tribunal, and represented the Archbishop at several international conferences.
He also applauded the bishop for the progress made in completing the diocesan cathedral, strengthening the education sector within the diocese, and deepening spiritual renewal through evangelistic crusades, prayer, and fasting.
Archbishop Kaziimba cautioned critics who oppose the election of clergy from other dioceses to serve as bishops in areas where they were not born, emphasizing that the Church is universal and leadership should be based on calling, qualification, and service.
“We are a global Church where anyone can serve anywhere as long as they qualify. I was Bishop of Mityana while I was born in Mukono. I am very grateful that you welcomed Bishop Onesimus and that you are supporting him greatly,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
In his remarks, Bishop Asiimwe expressed gratitude to Archbishop Kaziimba for his servant leadership and encouragement to the people of North Kigezi Diocese following the passing of the former bishop, Benon Magezi.
He commended the Archbishop for championing the vision of self-sustainability within the Church of Uganda, citing key achievements such as completing and settling several infrastructure projects, including clearing the Shs 50 billion debt on Church House and constructing a guesthouse at the Archbishop’s residence to address accommodation challenges.
Bishop Asiimwe also praised the Archbishop’s commitment to spiritual renewal across the province through passionate preaching and mobilization of Christians for fervent prayer.
He further lauded the Archbishop for strengthening the Church’s international engagement by representing the Church of Uganda in global Anglican forums, including GAFCON, and advocating for renewed focus on Scripture and the Gospel within the Anglican Communion.
Speaking on behalf of the Christian community, the Diocesan Head of Laity, Abel Matiita Turyabe, commended Bishop Asiimwe for visionary leadership that has strengthened evangelism, education, and community development in the diocese.
He pledged continued cooperation from the laity to support the diocese’s mission and ministry.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of Uganda, Jessica Alupo represented by the Minister of Security, Jim Muhwezi, commended the Church for its contribution to the country’s socio-economic transformation.
She pledged continued government support through development initiatives such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model, encouraging Christians to embrace them to improve household incomes.
During the fundraising drive held at the event, more than Shs 200 million was collected to support the ongoing construction of Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano.
