KAMWENGE– East Ruwenzori Diocese has today celebrated 16 years of existence with a thanksgiving service at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Kamwenge, presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.
The Diocese was established on 9th August 2009, after being curved out of Ruwenzori Diocese, with Rt. Rev. Edward Bamucwanira as its first Bishop. The second and current Bishop, Rt. Rev. George Turyasingura, was consecrated and enthroned on 7th January 2018.
Archbishop Kaziimba commended Bishop George Turyasingura for his visionary leadership that has positioned East Ruwenzori as a model Diocese within a short period of time. He also paid tribute to Bishop Edward Bamucwanira for laying a firm foundation as the founding Bishop.
Presenting a report on the status of the Diocese, the Head of Laity, Canon Caleb Ahimbisibwe, outlined major achievements over the 16 years.
The Diocese now has over 70 primary schools, 10 secondary schools, vocational institutions, and a Diocesan Health Centre III.
Clergy training has greatly advanced, with priests attaining higher academic qualifications, including diplomas, degrees, and master’s degrees, while others are pursuing doctorates.
“We now have 28 priests with certificates, 19 with diplomas, 25 with bachelor’s degrees, six with master’s, and one pursuing a doctorate—all in just 16 years,” Canon Ahimbisibwe said.
He further reported that the Diocese has expanded its economic base through two commercial buildings in Kamwenge town, 20 acres of coffee, 15 acres of cocoa, and 60 acres of eucalyptus forest in Kiziba.
Additional infrastructure developments include a modern Bishop’s residence, the renovation of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and an ongoing multi-billion shilling project for a new 5,000-seater cathedral.
Canon Ahimbisibwe also noted that while the Diocese began in 2009 with only one vehicle, it now has a fleet of 16 vehicles and motorcycles to support mission and ministry.
As part of his pastoral visit that began yesterday, Archbishop Kaziimba laid foundation stones on several projects, including the renovated St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the new Mothers’ Union building housing Millennium SACCO, and the new Bishop’s Office.
In his remarks, Bishop George Turyasingura attributed the Diocese’s achievements to the unity of Christians, clergy, and collaboration with the government and other development partners.
The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, commended the Diocese for complementing government programmes in education, healthcare, and agriculture.
He noted that the Church’s interventions were directly improving livelihoods and contributing to socio-economic transformation.
Bishops including Rt Rev Reuben Kisembo of Ruwenzori Diocese; Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna of the Diocese of Kigezi; Rt Rev Barnabas Tibaijuka of West Ruwenzori Diocese; Rt. Rev. Edward Bamucwanira, retired Bishop of East Ruwenzori and Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Rwobusisi, retired Bishop of Cyangugu Diocese in Rwanda attended the Service.
The thanksgiving service was also attended by several leaders, including Hon. Eng. Cuthbert Abigaba Mirembe (Kibale County MP), Hon. Sylvia Bahireire (Kamwenge District Woman MP), Hon. Dorothy Nzibonera (Kitagwenda District Woman MP), Mr. Joseph Karungi (Chairperson of Kamwenge District), Mr. Robert Mugabe (Chairperson of Kitagwenda District), and Mr. Ambrose Kabango (Kamwenge District NRM Vice Chairperson), among others.
