Mbarara, 24th November 2025 — Church of Uganda has announced its readiness for the Provincial Annual Youths and Students Convention (PAYSCO) 2025, confirming that the event will be held in Mbarara City, Ankole Diocese at Mbarara High School from 8th to 11th December 2025 under the new regional hosting model.
The announcement was made during a media briefing at the Ankole Diocesan Offices in Ruharo today by Mr. Balaam Muheebwa, the Provincial Treasurer, who represented the Provincial Secretary, Rev Canon William Ongeng. He was accompanied 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 of whom reaffirmed their institutions’ readiness to support PAYSCO 2025.
Mr. Muheebwa said this year’s PAYSCO begins a rotational regional format, starting with the Western Region. He also noted that PAYSCO 2026 will be held in the Eastern Region as part of the new rotational system to increase participation and enhance youth engagement across the Province.
According to Mr. Muheebwa, 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.
Mr. Muheebwa 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.
This year’s theme is “Leadership that Imitates God’s Goodness,” drawn from Galatians 6:9–10. The Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe, Bishop of South Ankole Diocese, will be 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.” Mr. 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 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 contributed various items and resources.
He said, delegates will contribute UGX 80,000 each for accommodation, feeding, learning materials and logistics. Rev Koboi 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, reaffirmed the Diocese’s readiness to host the Convention. He said coordination with Bishop Stuart University and Mbarara High School is underway to ensure effective planning, security and logistical arrangements.
Rev. Canon Abasa called on 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.
To support the preparations for PAYSCO 2025, contributions may be made through any of the following Church of Uganda accounts:
- Stanbic Bank: Account Name – Provincial Youth & Students Ministry;
A/C: 9030026582384 - PostBank (Pearl Bank): Account Name – COU – Provincial Youth & Students Ministry;
A/C: 4090000000005 - Equity Bank: Account Name – Provincial Youth & Students Ministry;
A/C: 1039201331587
