Rukungiri – 15th March 2026: The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has commended the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt Rev Onesimus Asiimwe, for his spiritual and socio-economic transformation in the Diocese.
Archbishop Kaziimba made the remarks while presiding over celebrations marking three years of Bishop Onesimus 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 Onesimus for his effective leadership and his growing role in the wider Anglican Communion. He commended him for representing Church of Uganda internationally as the East Africa Regional Secretary for GAFCON, serving as a member of the Provincial Tribunal, and faithfully representing the Archbishop at several international conferences.
He further 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 also cautioned critics who oppose the election of clergy from other dioceses to serve as bishops in areas where they were not born. He emphasized that the Church is universal and that 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 a Bishop of Mityana while I was born in Mukono. I am very grateful that you welcomed Bishop Onesimus and you are supporting him greatly.” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
In his remarks, Bishop Onesimus 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 major achievements such as completing and settling several infrastructure projects, including clearing the UGX 50 billion debt on Church House and constructing a guesthouse at the Archbishop’s residence to address accommodation challenges.
Bishop Onesimus also praised Archbishop Kaziimba’s commitment to spiritual renewal across the Province through his passionate preaching and mobilization of Christians for fervent prayer.
He further commended the Archbishop for strengthening the Church’s international engagement by representing the Church of Uganda in global Anglican forums, including GAFCON, and advocating for a renewed focus on Scripture and the Gospel within the Anglican Communion.
Speaking on behalf of the Christian community, the Diocesan Head of Laity, Mr. Turyabe Abel Matiita, commended Bishop Onesimus 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.
The Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, Jessica Alupo, who was represented by the Minister of Security, Hon Maj Gen. Jim Muhwezi, commended the Church for its contribution to the socio-economic transformation of the country. She pledged continued government support through development initiatives such as Emyooga and Parish Development Model and encouraged Christians to embrace them for improved household incomes.
Over UGX 200M was collected to support the ongoing construction of Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano.
Among the dignitaries who attended the celebrations were the Bishop of Busoga Diocese, Grace Lubaale; the retired Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Yona Katoneene; the Commissioner General of Uganda Prisons Service, Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija; the Provincial Chancellor of the Church of Uganda, Canon Naboth Muhairwe; and the Honorary Consul of Comoros to Uganda, Prof. Alex Bashasha. Thousands of Christians from across the Diocese also attended the celebrations.
