North Kigezi Diocese News
The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Onesimus Asiimwe, has called upon women to embrace unity in Christ and focus on Jesus Christ as the true source of everlasting peace. He made the remarks while preaching and officially opening the four-day 3rd Annual Women’s Conference held at Kinyasano Girls High School on Tuesday evening.
Bishop Asiimwe applauded his wife, Maama Florence Asiimwe, for her vision and commitment towards establishing the annual women’s conference. He described her as a Spirit-led woman of vision who has greatly contributed to strengthening women spiritually within the Diocese.
“I appreciate my wife Maama Florence Asiimwe for her vision to start this annual women’s conference. She is a woman of vision and led by the Spirit. As women, God has put in you the gift of prophecy. It does not necessarily require one to wear a collar, but every woman possesses that gift,” Bishop Asiimwe said.
The Bishop also expressed gratitude to all individuals who supported the conference through various contributions, especially food items and financial support. He particularly thanked Kinyasano Girls High School for offering the conference venue free of charge.
He further appreciated the Archdeacons and Parish Priests for mobilizing women and supporting the success of the conference.
Bishop Asiimwe emphasized the importance of the conference, revealing that he missed the swearing-in ceremony of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in order to personally officiate at the opening of the women’s gathering
“I received an invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Museveni, but I did not go because I needed to officiate at the opening of this important conference,” he noted.
Quoting Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” the Bishop explained that the conference was meant to spiritually renew and strengthen women who often encounter life challenges such as poverty, family struggles, and emotional burdens that weaken their spiritual sharpness.
“When you come here, you come to be sharpened again through testimonies, prayers, worship, and fellowship,” he added.
The Bishop further commended women, especially members of the Mother’s Union, for their unwavering contribution to the growth of the Church of Uganda.
“As women, you are the pillars of the Church of Uganda. I do not know where the Church would be without the Mother’s Union. Keep going and never let the fire go out,” he encouraged.
Preaching under the conference theme, “Anchored in Christ for Peace and Stability,” drawn from Ephesians 2:14-17, which is also this year’s provincial theme, Bishop Asiimwe reminded the congregation that human beings easily forget their spiritual identity and where God has brought them from.
He noted that sin such as adultery, stealing, lying, and other immoral acts separates believers from Christ and destroys the relationship they once enjoyed with Him.
However, through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, believers have now been reconciled and united with God.
“Unity is central because Christ is the chief cornerstone. Every building requires structural integrity, and your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,” he preached.
Reading from Galatians 3:28, the Bishop emphasized that in Christ there is no division based on tribe, race, or social status, because all believers are one in Jesus Christ.
Referencing the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9, Bishop Asiimwe said that there is great power in unity and that whatever people do together in harmony flourishes.
He further reminded the women that true peace is not found in wealth, jobs, buildings, livestock, businesses, or earthly possessions, but only in Jesus Christ.
“Peace does not mean the absence of problems, but even in difficult situations, those who are in Christ experience overwhelming peace,” he explained.
The Bishop also cautioned women against adultery and immoral relationships, urging them to uphold salvation with holiness and commitment.
“Women, I call upon you to forsake adultery. If you came as a second wife to a married man, you violated the covenant of the first marriage. Salvation has standards. Being saved is carrying the cross, denying yourself daily, and remaining faithful until the end,” Bishop Asiimwe concluded.
