North Kigezi Diocese News
Christians of Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano have been called upon to devote themselves to God and to live righteous lives in the year 2026.
This call was made on Thursday, January 1, 2026, during the New Year’s service held at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano.
In his sermon, Rev. Andrew Newman said that although believers had crossed into the new year 2026 and it may seem like an achievement, they should reflect on whether they accomplished what they had planned in 2025 or whether they wished the year had extended to allow them to complete unfinished plans.
Rev. Newman emphasized that God’s plan is to unite all people through the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, regardless of race or nationality, whether Australian or African. Speaking about Joseph and Mary, he noted that they obeyed the word of the Lord by consecrating and dedicating the child Jesus.
He explained that the dedication of Jesus Christ after eight days signified how God protected the firstborns of the Israelites during the Passover, while the firstborns of Egypt died because they were not dedicated and consecrated.
Drawing from Luke 2:21–40, Rev. Newman said that when Simeon, a devout and righteous man, saw the baby Jesus, he saw salvation. He encouraged Christians to be devoted to God and to live in righteousness.
He further noted that while Jesus brings joy, He also brings struggle. When Jesus comes, truth comes. He comes to sinful people, and those who follow Him may experience pain and struggle because of their faith.
With the wisdom demonstrated by Simeon, Rev. Newman urged Christians to cross into the year 2026 with Jesus Christ. He encouraged believers to recognize the Lord Jesus Christ, noting that Simeon had put his faith in God and prepared his heart for Christ. He challenged the congregation to reflect on how they would prepare for the year 2026, whether it would be filled with joy or fear, and urged them to fix their hearts and eyes on what is certain—Jesus Christ.
Like Simeon, who waited faithfully for the birth of Jesus, Rev. Newman encouraged Christians to know the Lord better, remain devoted to God’s Word in the new year, and live righteously before Him.
He added that the more believers know the Lord Jesus Christ, the more naturally they will recognize Him as Lord. He further urged that the more serious Christians become with God, the more God will be serious with them.
Rev. Newman concluded by encouraging believers to make 2026 a year of knowing the Lord through reading and meditating on His Word day and night, praying, and fellowshipping with other believers. He assured them that by doing so, they would be prepared for whatever the year brings, whether good or challenging, and emphasized that the Lord desires all to be saved.
In his remarks, Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe used the illustration of a hen to emphasize humility as Christians enter the new year. He explained that when a hen enters a house, it bends its head to avoid hitting the door frame and moves slowly. He urged Christians to humble themselves as they begin the year, to be mindful of their speech, and to speak with wisdom.
Drawing from Proverbs 18:18, Bishop Asiimwe also encouraged Christians to participate in the forthcoming presidential general elections scheduled for January 15, 2026. He clarified that while he is apolitical as a shepherd to all, he serves as a civic educator and encouraged believers to exercise their right to vote.
Mr. Herbert Mbabazi Kawaawa, a senior presidential advisor on audit and accountability, who worshiped at the cathedral with his family, commended Bishop Asiimwe for his ministry, particularly for reviving Makobore High School. He noted that while the Bishop focuses on the physical infrastructure of the school, the Old Boys would concentrate on strengthening the human resource aspect by introducing an incentive scheme for teachers. Dr. Mbabazi also appreciated the online church services, noting that Christians in the diaspora have been able to follow activities within the diocese.
He further pledged to fulfill his commitment of ten million Uganda shillings towards the construction of Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano.
Other dignitaries present included the Very Rev. Amatsiko Niwegariho, Dean of Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano; Maama Florence Asiimwe; Rev. Munturive Nshaba Ruhanga, Diocesan Education Coordinator; Mr. Abel Turyabe Matita, Diocesan Head of Laity; Rev. Frank Kiconco, Bishop’s Chaplain and Vicar of Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano; and other members of the laity.
