North Kigezi Diocese News
The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has called the Christians to prioritize prayer in their families and apply it in their lifestyle. He said this today at the installation ceremony of Ven. Benson Akankwatsa as the Archdeacon of Rujumbura Archdeaconry.
The installation ceremony took place at the Archdeaconry centre, All Saints Church Rukungiri, in a service attended by clergy, laity, and several dignitaries.
Ven. Benson assumes office after serving as Archdeacon of Buhunga Archdeaconry from January 2024 to the end of 2025. Bishop Onesimus described him as a humble, hardworking, and committed servant of God, devoted to ministry.
In his sermon, Bishop Asiimwe charged the new Archdeacon and all Christians to shun evil and hate sin. He urged both the Archdeacon and the laity to give glory to God and to guard that glory which God bestows upon them, noting that when the Holy Spirit departs, one becomes ordinary.
Referencing 1 Chronicles 4:9, the Bishop emphasized the importance of both corporate and personal prayer, stating that the Church can only grow through prayer.
Addressing Ven. Benson, Bishop Asiimwe urged him to remain focused on God, who has called him into ministry. He noted that the Archdeacon will lead people with different and sometimes difficult expectations, and that success in such a role can only be achieved through prayer. He stressed that prayer remains the key to church growth and effective ministry.
The Bishop also condemned the practice of some Christians who profess faith yet seek help from shrines, warning against hypocrisy. He further encouraged clergy to work hard and abandon the mindset of poverty, advising them to prepare early for their retirement by building stable homes.
In his remarks, Ven. Benson Akankwatsa pledged to support the Bishop in all assignments and committed to working closely with both clergy and laity to promote evangelism within the Archdeaconry.
Rukungiri Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Elisa Rutahigwa, who attended the function, congratulated Ven. Benson upon his installation and thanked believers for their support during the January general elections.
The Guest of Honour, Afande Henry Akatutungisa, commended Ven. Benson for his humility, gentleness, integrity, and transparency, particularly in the management of church finances.
Other dignitaries present included Rev. Munturive Nshaba Ruhanga, Diocesan Secretary; the Very Rev. Dickens Baguma, Dean of Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano; and several Archdeacons from across the Diocese, including Ven. Enock Karamuzi (Nyabiteete), Ven. Andrew Kananura (Kakinga), Ven. Eldard Rukuru (Bwambara), Ven. Edson Muhairwe (Kashenyi), Ven. Canon Polycarp Katwesigye (Kyamakanda), Ven. Amatsiko Niwegariho (Bwanga), and Ven. Ronald Natuhwera (Nyakagyeme), as well as Rev. Frank Kiconco, Vicar of All Saints Church Rukungiri and the Bishop’s Chaplain, among others.
