North Kigezi Diocese News
The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has called upon Christian leaders and believers to emulate Christ by living as the salt and light of the earth. He made the call on Sunday, June 7, 2026, while preaching at the installation service of Ven. Eldad Rukuru as the Archdeacon of Bwambara Archdeaconry.
Preaching from Matthew 5:13-16, Bishop Asiimwe noted that Jesus Christ was the greatest teacher the world has ever known and often taught through illustrations that remain relevant today. He challenged Christians, and leaders in particular, to preserve their Christian testimony and influence society positively as salt and light for God’s glory.
Speaking about salt, the Bishop explained that salt is a preservative and emphasized its historical importance, noting that in the ancient Roman Empire, salt was at times used as payment for soldiers. He urged Christians to guard the spiritual “saltiness” within them by maintaining holiness and integrity.
“You are the salt of the earth. Keep that saltiness within you. Guard yourselves and the salt that is in you. When you sin, you lose your dignity, even when you later repent,” Bishop Asiimwe said.
He warned against immorality and compromise among believers, stressing that Christians must remain distinct from the world. He noted that when leaders lose their saltness, they cease to be a blessing and instead become a burden to those they lead.
The Bishop further cautioned Christians against backsliding, highlighting the dangers of neglecting prayer, worship, and fellowship with God. He explained that when a believer leaves room for spiritual complacency, the devil takes advantage, but genuine repentance restores one’s relationship with God and spiritual glory.
Turning to the illustration of light, Bishop Asiimwe said that light is visible and guides others. He urged Christians to become examples worthy of imitation and reminded them that darkness only exists where light is absent.
“Be light to the people you lead,” he said. “Mind what you say and where you say it from. Reciting an old Chinese adage “The higher the monkey climbs, the more it exposes its nakedness.” Ven. Eldad, you’re now in a tree and many people are seeing you.
Referencing John 8:12, the Bishop reminded the congregation that Jesus Christ is the true source of light. Just as the moon reflects light from the sun, Christians derive their light from Christ. He challenged believers to take the Gospel to places where people remain trapped in sin, including alcoholism, immorality, witchcraft, and other forms of spiritual darkness.
“I do not want to be deceived by the worship and praise I have seen here today. Many people are still lost in clubs, lodges, drunkenness, fornication, sorcery, and witchcraft. Take the Gospel to them and expel the darkness,” he urged.
Addressing the newly installed Archdeacon, the Bishop encouraged Ven. Eldad Rukuru to be a source of spiritual attraction to God’s people, explaining that the anointing upon a servant of God should draw people closer to Christ.
“The anointing attracts, and that is what light does. The young and old come to you. The only thing that should drive people away is sin,” he said.
Bishop Asiimwe reiterated that evangelism remains his primary mission and the lifeline of the Church. My greatest joy is seeing people turning to Christ
Preaching the Gospel is my priority. Mission is the lifeline of the Church. Evangelism should be the priority of the Church—that is where my heart is,” he emphasized.
He noted that when the Gospel is preached, lives are transformed, and people become willing to support the work of God. During the service, more than 150 people reportedly received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Quoting author Stephen Covey, Bishop Asiimwe advised Ven. Eldad Rukuru to “begin with the end in mind,” encouraging him to plan wisely for his future ministry and retirement.
He reminded church leaders that finishing ministry well is more important than merely starting well.
In her remarks, Maama Florence Asiimwe encouraged Ven. Eldad and his wife, Lydia Rukuru, to depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their new ministry responsibilities.
“Listen to the highest teacher, the Holy Spirit. He will teach you in this role and ministry. Trust in the Lord as you serve, and let prayer be your weapon,” she advised.
She also called upon Christians to support the Archdeacon and his wife in their ministry and encouraged churches to continue observing Mary’s Day annually, while also considering the celebration of Mary Magdalene’s Day among members of the Christian Women Fellowship.
During the same function, Brig. Gen. Justus Rukundo, Commandant of the Oliver Reginald Tambo (ORT) School of Leadership and Pan-African Center of Excellence in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District, revealed his desire to pursue theological studies.
He said fulfilling that dream would honor his late father’s wish that he become a reverend.
“I will soon come for a recommendation letter from the Archdeacon as I prepare to pursue further studies in theology,” Brig. Gen. Rukundo said.
The Guest of Honor, Hon. Frank Arinaitwe Rukanirwa, commended Bishop Asiimwe for championing evangelism and community development initiatives, particularly coffee growing and support for education.
“Personally, I had never grown coffee but because of your call for growing coffee, I have planted it,” said Mr. Frank.
“We appreciate your zeal in restoring schools such as Makobore High School and Kinyasano Girls High School,” he said.
He pledged his support to the newly installed Archdeacon and encouraged Christians to put aside political differences, hatred, and malice in order to foster unity and development.
As part of his contribution, Hon. Rukanirwa purchased twenty pairs of eyeglasses for elderly people worth two hundred thousand shillings (UGX 200,000) and pledged support toward the construction of Emmanuel Cathedral.
In his remarks, Ven. Eldad Rukuru thanked Bishop Asiimwe for entrusting him with the responsibility of serving as Archdeacon of Bwambara Archdeaconry.
“I commit myself to work with all Christians as we preach the Gospel and expand the Kingdom of God. Thank you all for standing with us on this special day,” he said.
The Head of Laity for Bwambara Archdeaconry, Mr. Monday John, also expressed gratitude to Bishop Onesimus and Maama Florence for their commitment to evangelism and spiritual revival within North Kigezi Diocese.
“We thank you for the conferences, prayer gatherings, and fasting programs that have strengthened the Diocese. We pledge to continue supporting the work of God and working closely with the Bishop’s office,” he said
Following the installation service, Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe, Maama Florence, the Diocesan Secretary and members of the diocesan leadership team, including the Dean of Emmanuel Cathedral, the Very Rev. Dickens Baguma, together with several Archdeacons, visited the family of the late Charles Birunda, father of Canon Jotham Tugumisirize and son of Canon Joviya, who passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
While comforting the bereaved family, Bishop Asiimwe cautioned Christians against becoming familiar with death.
“Death can never become normal. Death is a robber and attacks everyone,” he said.
Preaching from 2 Corinthians 5:8, he encouraged the family to remain steadfast and confident in God.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Charles has finished his race, and I have no doubt that he is now with the Lord,” Bishop Asiimwe said.
He acknowledged the pain of losing a loved one and challenged those still living to seek God while they have the opportunity.
“Losing a loved one and watching the coffin being lowered into the grave is painful. But for those who are still alive, seek the Lord and live. You can be saved while you still have the chance,” he concluded.
