Yesterday 19th October 2023, Bishop of North Kigezi; The Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe concluded his maiden pastoral visits to the six (6) parishes of Kyamakanda Archdeaconry- North Kigezi Diocese. The parishes include; Kaagati, Nyakaina, Kyamakanda, Rwakirungura, Rubanga, and Rwenyangyi.
In the company of his dear wife Maama Florence Asiimwe, their daughter Ruth Asiimwe, and Maama Gladys Magezi (the wife of the late Bishop Benon Magezi), Bishop Onesimus fulfilled his three-fold purpose of his visit to the parishes (1. Familiarization tour. 2. Preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. 3. Confirmation of new Christians. He was welcomed and taken around Kyamakanda Archdeaconry by a team of clergy led by Rev. Canon Polycarp and Mercy Katwesigye(Archdeacon), and jubilant Christians led by Canon Benon Kwikiriza Baabo (Archdeaconry Head of Laity).
In response to the Bishop’s altar calls, 1,816 people gave their lives to Christ. Sparks of revival were witnessed as people aggressively confessed and repented their sins, and sought forgiveness. Broken marriages, families, and friendships were reconciled and reunited. Prayers of healing and deliverance were also conducted. In addition, the Bishop also conducted the confirmation of 830 new Christians, and welcomed 24 people that converted to the Church of Uganda Anglican faith.
Physical Revival/The Gospel of Development
In addition to the spiritual revival, Bishop Onesimus also spread the gospel of physical revival and development. He inaugurated a coffee demonstration garden at Rwakirungura C.O.U, where he planted a souvenir coffee tree. This is in alignment with his coffee planting campaign in an attempt to alleviate poverty among households, and establish a self-sustaining church.
The Bishop also emphasized the education of the boy child. He encouraged parents and guardians to refocus their attention to the education and empowerment of the boy child, with the promise of the revival of Makobore High School (Bursaries are available for students that will score Grade 1).
Bishop Onesimus also emphasized the culture of saving, whereby he constantly encouraged Christians to ensure their future by embracing a saving culture. He encourages people to invest and save their money with the North Kigezi Diocese SACCO (This is a Saving and Credit Cooperative Organisation that is located in Rukungiri town, established and managed by the North Kigezi Diocese, and the patron is the Bishop himself.
Official opening of the Kataryeba Health Centre II
While in Rwenyangi parish on his final day in Kyamakanda Archdeaconry, The Bishop also officiated the opening of the Kataryeba Health Centre II at St. James C.O.U Rwenyangi parish. This is a community Health Centre that was initiated and established by the family of Mr. Erick and Canon Jolly Babirukamu, through the Kataryeba Foundation, in memory of their fallen son; Late Kataryeba Andrew. It is a modern and well equipped health facility, whose purpose is to dispense affordable health services to the communities around the area. Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe appreciated the Babirukamu family, the partners (Stanbic Bank and American Towers) and the Rwenyangi Church members for the great initiative, and asked the Christians to own it, and protect it, for better operations and service provision.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
