North Kigezi Diocese News
Youth and students have been commissioned to go out and boldly witness to their peers after encountering Christ during the Diocesan Annual Youth and Students’ Convention.
The call was made by the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, during a commissioning and Holy Communion service held on the final day of the convention, which ran from 9th to 12th January 2026 at Makobore High School.
Bishop Asiimwe reminded the youth that they attended the convention because Jesus Christ invited them, and having seen and experienced Him, they now carry the responsibility of witnessing to others.
Quoting Matthew 28:1–8, the Bishop said, “You came because Jesus invited you. You have seen the Lord at this convention; now go and tell.” He likened the convention experience to a mountain encounter, noting that while the mountain experience is powerful, believers cannot remain there forever.
“You have been on the mountain and enjoyed the experience, but you must go back,” he said. “The question is—where are you going back to?”
Drawing from Revelation 22:12, Bishop Asiimwe reminded the youth that they are returning to a world filled with challenges, including sexual immorality, sorcery, and wickedness, and therefore need wisdom to live faithfully.
He further referenced Matthew 10:16, saying, “I send you as lambs among wolves; therefore be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” He prayed that the Lord would grant the youth wisdom as they return to their schools, communities, and peers.
Using a vivid illustration, the Bishop observed that the Church often has two types of members: “those who talk and talk” and “those who sit and sit.” He challenged the youth to rise above passivity and take action by going out to share their faith.
“Go back and tell your former boyfriends, girlfriends, and fellow youth that you have seen the Lord,” he urged.
He compared the youth to newly charged radio batteries, explaining that the convention had fully charged and recharged them spiritually. However, he cautioned them to beware of “old batteries”—negative influences that drain spiritual power.
“You are new batteries with power and authority,” he said. “It is the old batteries that drain the new ones.”
Quoting a warning, Bishop Asiimwe added, “Those who think they stand should take care lest they fall. Even the mighty fall.”
Addressing the subject of sexual purity, the Bishop emphasized that sex is good but only within the context of marriage. He urged the youth to wait for the right time.
“What are you in a hurry for?” he asked. “Wait for a short time, and you will enjoy sex for a much longer time than the years you have lived as a single person.”
During the same commissioning service, Bishop Asiimwe announced that the next Diocesan Annual Youth and Students’ Convention will take place from 9th to 12th January 2027. He revealed that the main speaker will be the retired Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Henry Luke Orombi.
The Bishop pledged to work closely with the Diocesan Youth Coordinator, Rev. Benson Amanya, to mobilize for the next convention, assuring the youth that it will be “mega.”
