SIRONKO – The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu has today consecrated St. Matthew’s Cathedral Buhugu in Sironko District, North Mbale Diocese.
The official opening and consecration of the Cathedral also marked the celebration of 10 years of episcopal ministry by the Bishop of North Mbale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Gidudu.
Related posts
Bishop Gidudu attributed the fast completion of the Cathedral to the unity within the Diocese and announced that the focus will now shift to self-sustainability projects.
“We continue to appeal for your support to help us venture into economic infrastructure projects like commercial buildings that can generate income for the Diocese as we intentionally refocus our energies on growing the Diocese holistically,” Bishop Gidudu said.
Archbishop Kaziimba congratulated Bishop Gidudu, the Christian community, and well-wishers of North Mbale Diocese for completing the Cathedral in a record time of five years and encouraged them to use it for spiritual growth.
He also called upon the government to restore cooperative unions across the country to create jobs and stimulate economic development.
“I was impressed by the work being done by Bugisu Cooperative Union under the leadership of Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi. The Union employs thousands of people directly and indirectly. They are adding value to our coffee. I urge the government to consider restoring cooperative unions across the country to create more jobs and spur economic growth,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
The President of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in a message delivered by Hon. Raphael Magyezi, the Minister of Local Government, commended Bishop Samuel Gidudu for his effective leadership and the development projects within the Diocese.
He called upon spiritual leaders to partner with the government in community transformation.
“Government sees all spiritual leaders as partners in development. I call upon the Church and all people to partner with the government to realize the fruits of development programs the government has put in place,” President Museveni said.
He added, “I appeal to civil, political, social, and religious leaders to mobilize our people in implementing government programs aimed at uplifting our people from poverty and improving their welfare.”
Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the Budadiri West Member of Parliament who chaired the construction committee, said, the construction of the 1500 seater Cathedral which began in 2019, has cost UGX 2.9 billion shillings to date.
Several Bishops, both in active service and retired, attended the service. These included: Bishop John Wilson Nandaah (Mbale), Bishop Paul Hannington Ssubi (East Busoga), Bishop Samuel Bogere Egesa (Bukedi), Bishop Paul Kiptoo Masaba (Sebei), Bishop Simon Akol Aisu (North Karamoja), Bishop Michael Chorey (Karamoja), Bishop Michael Okwii Esarkan (Kumi), and Bishop Fredrick Jackson Baalwa (Kampala).
Retired Bishops in attendance were Bishop Stanley Ntagali (Retired Archbishop), Bishop James Nasak (North Karamoja), Bishop Samuel Wabulakha (Mbale), Bishop Dr. Joel Obetia (Madi West Nile), Bishop Patrick Gidudu (Mbale), and Bishop Alfred Acur Okidi (West Lango).
Dignitaries present included Hon. Florence Namboozo, the Minister of State for Karamoja; Hon. Eng. Irene Muloni, the former minister for Energy and Mineral Development; Hon. Gorretti Kitutu, former Minister for Karamoja Affairs; Hon. Ssasaga Isiah Wanzira, Member of Parliament for Budadiri East; among others.
