With a renewed call for spiritual commitment, accountable leadership and sustainable growth, the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has presided over the 62nd Diocesan Council meeting, highlighting key achievements, setting strategic priorities and designating seven ordained clergy as Canons.
Addressing Council members, Bishop Asiimwe urged leaders to be quick to listen and slow to speak, emphasising that the Diocese’s spiritual and missionary mandate must remain at the centre of its leadership and development agenda.
In his Episcopal Charge, the Bishop identified key priority areas for the Diocese, including strengthening evangelism, discipleship, youth ministry, Christian education and pastoral care across all archdeaconries.
He also called for improved protection and management of Diocesan land through proper documentation, regular review of the Diocesan Land Register, strengthened financial accountability, effective internal controls and sustainable fundraising initiatives.
He further urged leaders to review ongoing projects and development partnerships, establish clear targets and responsibilities for approved fundraising initiatives, and ensure that every Council resolution has a responsible person or committee to oversee its implementation.
Highlighting Diocesan achievements, Bishop Asiimwe reported progress towards the rollout of Divine Health Cooperative Society Limited across the Diocese. He also announced that Canon Beatrice Ruhindi Vocational Training Institute had received approval for accreditation from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council and had been granted a licence number.
The Bishop and council members commended the NKD Kampala Fellowship, led by the Diocesan Head of Laity, Commissioner General of Uganda Prisons, Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, for mobilising UGX 2.47 billion during the recent fundraising and Thanksgiving event. He also recognised the contributions of Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi and Hon. Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde.
During the meeting, the Council approved recommendations presented by various Diocesan Boards and Committees for implementation and passed the budget for the year 2027.
Members also resolved that all North Kigezi Church-founded schools should conduct morning prayers before the commencement of classes and should not hold lessons or examinations on Sundays, which were reaffirmed as days dedicated to worship and prayer.
In another resolution aimed at strengthening financial sustainability, the Council directed all churches and Diocesan institutions to open accounts with the Diocesan SACCO to promote savings and institutional financial growth.
In a significant development during the same sitting, Bishop Asiimwe announced the designation of seven ordained clergy as Canons in different areas of ministry:
1. The Very Rev. Dickens Baguma – Canon for Liturgy and Worship.
2. Rev. Kenneth Karyeija – Canon for Missions.
3. Ven. Benson Akankwatsa – Canon for Pastoral Care.
4. Ven. Ronald Natukwhera – Canon for Development.
5. Rev. Mauda Katwesigye – Canon for Family Life.
6. Rev. Andrew Newman – Canon for Theological Education.
7. Ven. Capt. Jallon Atusinguza – Canon for Discipleship.
The seven Canon-designates are scheduled to be formally installed on Sunday, 6 December 2026, at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano.
The 62nd Diocesan Council meeting reaffirmed North Kigezi Diocese’s commitment to strengthening its spiritual mission, promoting responsible leadership, improving institutional accountability and advancing sustainable development across the Diocese.
