North Kigezi Diocese News
The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has installed the Very Rev. Dickens Baguma as the new Dean of Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano. The installation ceremony took place at the Cathedral’s Consecration Site in Kinyasano.
The Very Rev. Baguma assumes the office after serving as Archdeacon of Nyakisoroza Archdeaconry from January 2024 to the end of 2025.
In his sermon, Bishop Asiimwe charged the new Dean to seek out the lost and shepherd them back to Christ. He urged him to reach those who do not ordinarily come to church, saying many are lost in bars, lodges, and within broken families.
Referencing Psalm 78:72, the Bishop called on the Dean to shepherd God’s flock with integrity of heart and skillful hands, emphasizing that integrity is doing what is right even when no one is watching. He cautioned against hypocrisy, noting that while some are hired for their skills, they are often dismissed for lack of integrity.
Quoting 1 Samuel 18:14, Bishop Asiimwe reminded the Dean that leadership requires wisdom—wisdom to guide meetings, family, and the flock of God, and wisdom to speak words that are seasoned and life-giving. “Words are potent; they can give life or destroy,” he said. While affirming the authority entrusted to him, the Bishop advised the Dean to remain consultative and humble, warning that higher responsibility exposes one’s character.
Drawing from John 21:15–17, the Bishop urged the newly installed Dean to feed Christ’s lambs and sheep with love and compassion, not to exploit them. He encouraged him to care for the wounded and remain above politics, serving as a shepherd for all people. He further emphasized the importance of preaching the true Gospel, not merely what people want to hear, noting that a church that prays, teaches the Word of God, and worships faithfully is one that even Satan fears.
Quoting Hebrews 12:28, Bishop Asiimwe assured the Dean that believers belong to an unshakable kingdom and should not be intimidated by people of status or influence. He also called upon all Christians present to forsake sin and return to Christ. During the service, more than 100 people gave their lives to Christ, and several reconciled with one another.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Asiimwe encouraged the Cathedral leadership, together with the Head of Laity, to embrace coffee growing as a model income-generating activity for other parishes. He also urged the faithful to cultivate a saving culture by opening accounts with the North Kigezi Diocese SACCO and encouraged church-founded schools to save with the SACCO as well.
Speaking on behalf of the laity, Mr. Abel Turyabe Matita expressed gratitude to the Bishop for his commitment to preaching the Gospel and strengthening the Church.
In his remarks, the Very Rev. Baguma thanked the Bishop for entrusting him with the sacred responsibility of leading the Cathedral. He pledged to serve with integrity, teamwork, and unity, emphasizing that together they would accomplish more for the work of God.
The RDC of Bushenyi District, Mr. Emmanuel Ngabirano, pledged his support to Bishop Asiimwe in fulfilling his episcopal mandate as the sixth Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese.
Representing the Guest of Honour, Canon Twirire Yosia described the new Dean as a committed servant of God with a deep passion for pastoral care. He echoed the Bishop’s call for the Dean to seek out the lost and serve with unwavering integrity.
