Bundibugyo, 27th August 2025 – The Diocese of West Ruwenzori has today celebrated its second anniversary with a thanksgiving service at St. Barnabas Cathedral, Bumadu in Bundibugyo District, presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.
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Archbishop Kaziimba used the occasion to urge Christians to take the lead in protecting the environment in Bundibugyo, a mountainous region prone to landslides. He warned that deforestation and poor farming practices were exposing communities to disasters that continue to claim lives and destroy property.
“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 emphasized.
The Archbishop also decried the misuse of cocoa income, the district’s main cash crop particularly the practice of marrying off young girls using proceeds from cocoa sales. He urged families to prioritize education and invest household income in securing a better future for 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-driven focus on evangelism, with open-air crusades remaining central to outreach. He called for support from partners, noting that many had withdrawn funding due to the Church of Uganda’s uncompromising stand against homosexuality.
Presenting the diocesan report, the Head of Laity, Mr. Polly Tibemanya, detailed the Diocese’s steady progress since its inauguration on 27th August 2023, when Bishop Barnabas Tibaijuka was consecrated and enthroned as the first bishop. He emphasized that although the Diocese is geographically small, unity among Christians and stakeholders has fueled significant growth.
The Diocese now has 49 clergy, most of whom are well-trained, with 74 others currently undergoing theological training. A remarkable achievement has been the improvement of clergy welfare, with 97 percent of clergy now living in permanent houses, many of which were built with the contribution of Christians.
Infrastructure development has also been significant, with the completion of the Bishop’s residence with a perimeter wall, a gate, and a guest house.
The Diocese has acquired pews for the Cathedral, built the Bishop Orombi pavilion, and constructed three staff houses at the Diocesan headquarters, as well as Clergy houses across almost all parishes. Permanent church buildings are also steadily being completed throughout the Diocese.
On the development front, the Diocese has invested in productive assets, including the purchase of seven acres of cocoa plantations in Bumadu. It has also secured five archdeaconry vehicles, five motorcycles for clergy, a parish vehicle, and a tipper lorry to facilitate diocesan work.
A savings and credit cooperative, TALENT SACCO, has grown to over 300 members, giving Christians access to financial services.
The Diocese has also embarked on land titling for parish headquarters, planted eucalyptus trees, and acquired a plot in Bundibugyo town.
In addition, Bishop Barnabas Divinity College was established in April 2025 and now trains 36 students preparing for ministry as lay readers.
To enhance financial transparency and efficiency, the Diocese has also acquired a diocesan merchant code for development support.
In social services, the Diocese continues to support Mantoroba Health Centre II, the only Church-founded health facility in the region, and has begun lobbying the government to upgrade it to Health Centre III.
Clergy have been instructed to plant trees at every church function as part of environmental conservation. Women’s empowerment has also been strengthened through savings schemes initiated by Mama Alice Tibaijuka, which have fostered financial independence and family unity.
The Diocese has consolidated its ties with six secondary schools and 64 primary schools, assigning chaplains to several institutions, while youth ministry has grown through conferences such as the one in which 2,500 young people participated. Sports has also been embraced, with annual inter-parish football competitions creating fellowship and outreach opportunities.
Church growth has been remarkable in just two years, with the Diocese expanding from three to six archdeaconries, from 21 to 37 parishes, and from 168 to 248 churches. The Diocesan Council has, however, temporarily suspended the creation of new units to allow the existing structures to consolidate both socially and economically.
Looking to the future, the Diocese has outlined plans that include expanding and improving St. Barnabas Cathedral, constructing a social hall, establishing a pharmacy, and developing a commercial property on its newly acquired town plot. Plans are also underway to purchase land for large-scale farming and to complete staff housing at the diocesan headquarters.
The Bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt Rev Reuben Kisembo, Bishop Edward Bamucwanira the retired Bishop of East Ruwenzori Diocese, the Prime Minister of Obudhingiya Bwa Bwamba among other dignitaries attended the Service.
