North Kigezi Diocese News
On Sunday, December 7, 2025, joy and celebration swept over Kinyasano Hill as congregants gathered to witness the ordination of six deacons and one priest. The service was presided over by the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, who served as the main celebrant, joined by other clergy.
The six newly ordained deacons are; Rev. Asiimwe Joshua, Rev. Turyahabwe Nicholas, Rev. Birungi William, Rev. Nimusiima Lewin, Rev. Akatukunda Ronah, and Rev. Naturinda Moses. Rev. Tugume Moses was ordained to priesthood.
Speaking during the service, Rev. Dr. Jasper Tumuhimbise—who also led the ordinands in a four-day retreat—called upon the newly ordained and all clergy to be watchful over God’s flock. He emphasized the importance of self-examination, urging clergy to guard their own spiritual lives before preaching to others. He encouraged them to live Christ-like lives that can be imitated by the believers they shepherd.
Rev. Jasper also urged the clergy to feed the flock of God just as Jesus Christ did. He encouraged the deacons and priests to read the Word of God and preach it faithfully, saying, “Don’t preach money; preach the Word.” He added, “If you preach the gospel, money will come. But if you preach money, both money and the gospel will disappear.”
Furthermore, he reminded them that the Lord is a covenant-keeping God. He urged them to shepherd the flock with sacrificial love and to beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. “When wolves attack, the sheep look to the shepherd,” he warned. Rev. Jasper expressed concern over instances where “the shepherd turns into a wolf – he or she fornicates with the flock, wounds them instead of binding them up.”
In his address, Bishop Onesimus urged the newly ordained to uphold and guard the covenant and oaths they made. “The oaths you have made are not for formality,” he said. Speaking to the clergy, he noted that Christians know their leaders well and reminded them that they have been called to a ministry of high responsibility. Citing an old Chinese adage—“The higher the monkey climbs, the more she exposes her nakedness”—Bishop Asiimwe encouraged the clergy to live exemplary lives that clearly reflect Christ.
During the service, five people confessed Christ and accepted Him as their personal Lord and Saviour.
At the same function, Bishop Asiimwe also officially retired eight reverends from active ministry, recognizing and appreciating their faithful service to the diocese. Those retired include Rev. Canon Eric Baingana Mugyenzi, Ven. Tumusiime James, Rev. Bernard Mwesigwa, Rev. Johnson Byekwaso, Rev. Eliasaph Kamugisha, Rev. Nelson Mwebaze, Rev. James Twebaze, and Rev. David Twongyeirwe.
Bishop Onesimus described the Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Canon Eric Baingana, as an experienced administrator and leader who has encouraged teamwork in the Bishop’s office. He commended him for the dedicated service he has rendered to the diocese.
In his remarks, Rev. Canon Eric Baingana expressed gratitude to Bishop Onesimus for entrusting him with the role of Diocesan Secretary. He acknowledged that the journey has not always been smooth, but testified that the Lord has carried him through his time in office.
To God be the Glory!
For more updates, visit our Diocesan YouTube Channel: North Kigezi Diocese.
