Church of Uganda has confirmed its readiness to host the Provincial Annual Youths and Students Convention (PAYSCO) 2025, scheduled to take place from 8th to 11th December 2025 at Mbarara High School, Ankole Diocese in Mbarara City, under a new regional hosting model.
The announcement was made on Monday during a media briefing at the Ankole Diocesan Offices in Ruharo by the Provincial Treasurer, Balaam Muheebwa, who represented the Provincial Secretary, Rev. Canon William Ongeng.
He was flanked by the Ankole Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Canon Edison Abasa, the Provincial Youth and Students Coordinator, Rev. Emmanuel Koboi; the Public Relations Officer of Bishop Stuart University, Rev. Dr. Charles Mukundane and officials from Mbarara High School. All reaffirmed their institutions’ readiness to support PAYSCO 2025.
Muheebwa explained that this year’s convention marks the beginning of a new rotational regional format, starting with the Western Region.
He added that PAYSCO 2026 will be hosted in the Eastern Region as part of efforts to increase participation and deepen youth engagement across the Province.
He further noted that PAYSCO 2025 will be hosted by Ankole Diocese, with Bishop Stuart University as the lead institution and Mbarara High School providing facilities for the main sessions.
He commended the Bishop of Ankole Diocese, the leadership of Bishop Stuart University, the administration of Mbarara High School and the Bishops of the 15 dioceses in the Western Region for their support towards the preparations.
This year’s convention will run under the theme “Leadership that Imitates God’s Goodness,” drawn from Galatians 6:9–10. The Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe, Bishop of South Ankole Diocese, will serve as the main expositor.
“Preparations are progressing steadily. The Provincial Youth and Students Department has so far visited 14 dioceses in the Western Cluster to conduct sensitization and coordinate mobilization. Dioceses have responded with strong practical support, including food items, logistics and financial contributions,” Muheebwa said.
According to the Provincial Youth and Students Coordinator, Rev. Emmanuel Koboi, South Ankole Diocese has donated a bull and financial support, East Ruwenzori Diocese has contributed goats, matooke and funds, while other dioceses, including Kinkiizi, West Ankole, North Ankole, North West Ankole, North Kigezi, Ruwenzori, Ankole and Muhabura, have also extended various items and resources towards the Convention.
Rev. Koboi noted that each delegate will contribute Shs 80,000 to cover accommodation, feeding, learning materials and logistics.
He encouraged dioceses, families and parishes to continue supporting their young people as preparations intensify.
Speaking at the same press conference, the Diocesan Secretary of Ankole Diocese, Rev. Canon Edison Abasa, reiterated the Diocese’s readiness to host the Convention.
He said coordination with Bishop Stuart University and Mbarara High School is ongoing to ensure effective planning, security and logistical arrangements.
Rev. Canon Abasa appealed to dioceses, families and local leaders to support their young people to participate, emphasizing that PAYSCO is a key platform for Christian leadership development among students and youth across the country.
