The Diocese of West Ruwenzori on Wednesday marked its second anniversary with a thanksgiving service at St. Barnabas Cathedral, Bumadu in Bundibugyo District, led by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.
Delivering his message, Archbishop Kaziimba urged Christians to champion environmental protection in the mountainous Bundibugyo region, warning that deforestation and poor farming practices were fueling deadly landslides.
“Landslides continue to destroy property and claim lives in this region. This can be prevented through tree planting and sustainable farming practices. When a child is born, plant a tree. On every baptism and confirmation, ensure that trees are planted. We become stewards of creation,” he said.
The Archbishop also expressed concern over the misuse of cocoa income, Bundibugyo’s main cash crop, particularly the practice of marrying off young girls using proceeds from cocoa sales.
He encouraged families to prioritize education and channel their earnings toward securing a brighter future for their children.
“Cocoa is a blessing to Bundibugyo. Let us maintain its quality to meet global standards. But we must also ensure that the money it brings is not used to destroy our children’s future through early marriages,” he added.
The Bishop of West Ruwenzori, Rt. Rev. Barnabas Tibaijuka, reaffirmed the Diocese’s mission focus on evangelism, highlighting open-air crusades as central to outreach.
He appealed for renewed support from partners, acknowledging that some had withdrawn funding due to the Church of Uganda’s firm stance against homosexuality.
Presenting the diocesan report, the Head of Laity, Polly Tibemanya, outlined the Diocese’s steady growth since its inauguration on 27th August 2023, when Bishop Tibaijuka was consecrated and enthroned as the first bishop.
He noted that while geographically small, the Diocese’s unity had driven remarkable progress.
In just two years, the Diocese has expanded from 3 to 6 archdeaconries, 21 to 37 parishes, and 168 to 248 churches.
It has also invested in cocoa plantations, vehicles, clergy housing, a SACCO with over 300 members, Bishop Barnabas Divinity College, and Mantoroba Health Centre.
