The North Kigezi Diocese has dismissed misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, ordered a crackdown on unmarried teachers and the expulsion of parents with children born outside marriage.
The reports emerged following remarks made by Bishop Asiimwe during the 42nd anniversary celebrations of Kinyasano Girls Secondary School on Sunday. A Rukungiri-based radio station had published a story interpreting the Bishop’s comments as a directive targeting unmarried teachers and certain parents. However, following public criticism, the station reportedly removed the story from its social media platforms.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday and seen by our reporter, the Diocese clarified that Bishop Asiimwe’s remarks had been taken out of context and misrepresented.
According to the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Munturive Nshaba Ruhanga, the Bishop’s sermon focused on the need to uphold Christian moral values in Church of Uganda-founded schools and was not an attack on unmarried teachers.
“The headline, along with its framing, is not merely vague; it is grossly misleading and factually inaccurate,” Rev. Nshaba Ruhanga said in the statement.
The Diocese explained that Bishop Asiimwe specifically addressed concerns about teachers cohabiting while serving in Church-founded institutions. He encouraged such teachers to formalize their unions through church marriage in line with Christian teachings and the moral expectations of church-founded schools.
“His appeal was that such teachers should make intentional plans to have their marriages solemnized and sanctified in the Church so that they can set a good example for the students,” the statement noted.
Bishop Asiimwe also raised concerns about protecting learners from the risks of sexual harassment in Church of Uganda-founded schools across the North Kigezi Diocese, emphasizing the need for responsible conduct among staff.
Rev. Nshaba Ruhanga said portraying the Bishop’s message as a campaign against unmarried teachers or parents with children born outside marriage was inaccurate and unfounded.
“The issue raised centered on Christian witness, moral example, and maintaining consistency with the ethos and mission of Church-founded schools,” he explained.
The Diocese has since called on media practitioners and social media users to prioritize accuracy and avoid sensational reporting that distorts public messages.
“Responsible journalism demands accurate representation of facts, not sensational headlines that distort the original message,” the statement added.
