North Kigezi Diocese News
Clergy of North Kigezi Diocese have been called upon to fulfill the Great Commission with renewed passion through intentional evangelism, as commanded by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:18–20.
This call was made during a four-day clergy retreat held at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano, which began on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and concluded on Friday, April 10, 2026, with a commissioning service.
The conference was organized to equip clergy with knowledge and practical skills in evangelism, with particular focus on understanding Islam and addressing the growing concerns surrounding its influence within Christian communities.
During the course of the conference, the Provincial Coordinator for Muslim Relations, Rev. Musa Syamutsangira, emphasized that the Church of Uganda has experienced gaps that have allowed infiltration of other beliefs, calling on clergy to rise to their responsibility of defending and advancing the Gospel.
He challenged the clergy with a thought-provoking question: “What passion do you have for preaching the Gospel?” noting that the Apostle Paul preached with deep conviction and a desire to see lives transformed and saved.
Rev. Syamutsangira facilitated a number of intensive sessions covering key theological and apologetic topics. Among these was the understanding of the term “Born Again” as a prerequisite for entering the Kingdom of God, urging clergy to guide believers into a deeper and more authentic Christian experience. He also addressed the importance of baptism as commanded in the Great Commission, calling for proper teaching to correct shallow interpretations among Christians.
Other topics included the challenge posed by Islam to the Church and how it continues to expand globally, the identity of the Biblical God to safeguard the Church from doctrinal compromise, and an examination of Islamic teachings in light of the Bible. He also led discussions on the authenticity of the Bible, apologetics, and the need for Christians to confidently articulate their faith.
Clergy were further encouraged to have and study other religious texts, including the Quran, as a way of strengthening their ability to engage in informed evangelism. Rev. Syamutsangira urged them to return to their respective parishes with boldness, clarity, and renewed commitment to preaching Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation.
In his sermon during the commissioning service, the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, called on clergy to remain spiritually alert and steadfast in their mission.
Referencing Ephesians 6:10–11, he urged them to put on the full armor of God in order to stand firm against spiritual challenges. Quoting C.S. Lewis, he reminded them that “there is no neutral ground in the universe; every square inch is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan,” emphasizing the reality of spiritual warfare.
Bishop Asiimwe further encouraged clergy to understand the nature of the spiritual battle they face, reminding them that the struggle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers of darkness. He warned that salvation without righteousness is incomplete, calling on all Clergy to live lives marked by repentance and holiness.
In his remarks, the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Munturive Nshaba Ruhanga, appealed to the clergy to address the “cracks” within the Church and in their personal lives.
He urged them to cultivate love among themselves as Christ loved the Church and to remain diligent in their work, emphasizing that clergy should embrace hard work and responsibility in their ministry.
The retreat also featured a health session led by the Diocesan Health Coordinator, Dr. Edson Masiko, who emphasized the importance of physical well-being in ministry. He encouraged clergy to maintain healthy lifestyles through regular exercise and balanced diets rich in vegetables and proteins.
Dr. Masiko noted that effective ministry requires good health, stressing that one cannot fully accomplish the Great Commission without taking care of their body. He called on all clergy present to prioritize their health as part of their commitment to serving God faithfully.
The retreat concluded with a commissioning service, sending clergy back to their respective parishes spiritually empowered, intellectually equipped, and physically encouraged to continue the work of ministry with renewed zeal and dedication.
