Welcomed and led by Ven. Amos Katushabe, a team of clergy, and Canons, Bishop Onesimus and his wife Maama Florence Asiimwe traversed the parishes of Kakinga Archdeaconry, starting from Kanyanga, Mutaturwa, Mabanga, Karuhembe, Kakinga, Kabingo, Karire, Garubunda, Rumbugu and finally Kakibaya, which was also his last parish to visit for this year(2023).

The Bishop preached the gospel of Jesus Christ following his vision of the revival of North Kigezi, a gospel that brought a total of 2,344 people to Christ. He also confirmed a total of 1,076 new Christians and welcomed 28 people who converted from other religious denominations to the Anglican Church of Uganda.

In additon to the gospel of Jesus Christ, Bishop Onesimus continues to preach the gospel of development; encouraging people to engage in coffee planting to increase their income levels and improve their standards of living, educate their children as he consistently stated that “Education is an equalizer!” with emphasis on the education of the boy child. He also encouraged Christians to embrace the culture of saving money in order to ensure their future.

Still in Kakinga Archdeaconry, the Bishop conducted healing and deliverance sessions, whereby very many people got delivered from various demonic attacks and captivity of the enemy.

The Bishop also commissioned three pastors’ houses for Mabanga parish, Karuhembe parish, Garubunda parish, and a new computer lab at Karuhembe Primary School. He also visited the Nyakazinga Health Centre facility in Karuhembe and prayed with the facility stakeholders.

To God be the Glory.

Watch videos of the Bishop’s visit to each parish, sermons, testimonies, and more on the North Kigezi Diocesan YouTube channel. While there, please subscribe, comment, like, and share.

Yesterday 19th October 2023, Bishop of North Kigezi; The Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe concluded his maiden pastoral visits to the six (6) parishes of Kyamakanda Archdeaconry- North Kigezi Diocese. The parishes include; Kaagati, Nyakaina, Kyamakanda, Rwakirungura, Rubanga, and Rwenyangyi.

In the company of his dear wife Maama Florence Asiimwe, their daughter Ruth Asiimwe, and Maama Gladys Magezi (the wife of the late Bishop Benon Magezi), Bishop Onesimus fulfilled his three-fold purpose of his visit to the parishes (1. Familiarization tour. 2. Preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. 3. Confirmation of new Christians. He was welcomed and taken around Kyamakanda Archdeaconry by a team of clergy led by Rev. Canon Polycarp and Mercy Katwesigye(Archdeacon), and jubilant Christians led by Canon Benon Kwikiriza Baabo (Archdeaconry Head of Laity).

In response to the Bishop’s altar calls, 1,816 people gave their lives to Christ. Sparks of revival were witnessed as people aggressively confessed and repented their sins, and sought forgiveness. Broken marriages, families, and friendships were reconciled and reunited. Prayers of healing and deliverance were also conducted. In addition, the Bishop also conducted the confirmation of 830 new Christians, and welcomed 24 people that converted to the Church of Uganda Anglican faith.

Physical Revival/The Gospel of Development

In addition to the spiritual revival, Bishop Onesimus also spread the gospel of physical revival and development. He inaugurated a coffee demonstration garden at Rwakirungura C.O.U, where he planted a souvenir coffee tree. This is in alignment with his coffee planting campaign in an attempt to alleviate poverty among households, and establish a self-sustaining church.

The Bishop also emphasized the education of the boy child. He encouraged parents and guardians to refocus their attention to the education and empowerment of the boy child, with the promise of the revival of Makobore High School (Bursaries are available for students that will score Grade 1).

Bishop Onesimus also emphasized the culture of saving, whereby he constantly encouraged Christians to ensure their future by embracing a saving culture. He encourages people to invest and save their money with the North Kigezi Diocese SACCO (This is a Saving and Credit Cooperative Organisation that is located in Rukungiri town, established and managed by the North Kigezi Diocese, and the patron is the Bishop himself.

Official opening of the Kataryeba Health Centre II

While in Rwenyangi parish on his final day in Kyamakanda Archdeaconry, The Bishop also officiated the opening of the Kataryeba Health Centre II at St. James C.O.U Rwenyangi parish. This is a community Health Centre that was initiated and established by the family of Mr. Erick and Canon Jolly Babirukamu, through the Kataryeba Foundation, in memory of their fallen son; Late Kataryeba Andrew. It is a modern and well equipped health facility, whose purpose is to dispense affordable health services to the communities around the area. Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe appreciated the Babirukamu family, the partners (Stanbic Bank and American Towers) and the Rwenyangi Church members for the great initiative, and asked the Christians to own it, and protect it, for better operations and service provision.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Bishop Onesimus and Maama Florence have concluded their five-days Pastoral visit to Rubiriizi Archdeaconry. Led by the Rubiriizi Archdeacon; The Rev. Canon Geoffrey Mutabazi and Hope Mutabazi, Bishop Onesimus and Maama Florence Asiimwe visited each of the five parishes that make up the Archdeaconry of Rubiriizi, North Kigezi Diocese.

In each parish, Bishop Onesimus untiringly preached the gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his vision for North Kigezi Diocese “To see revival in North Kigezi”. Through his powerful and diverse sermons and teachings, Bishop O never missed to demonstrate his theme, which is, “First things first!” – “Let us seek First the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all the other things will be added unto us.” Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe. God has been faithful, and has continuously used His Servant Bishop to draw many to Christ. Sparks of revival have been witnessed through huge numbers of people repenting their sins, chains and bondages being broken as people flee and turn to Christ for salvation. Following are the numbers of people that responded to the Alter calls in each parish; Ndago parish: 257, Katobotobo parish: 63, Nyamabaare parish: 618, Karukaata parish: 182 Rubiriizi parish (Archdeaconry centre): 203, totaling to One thousand, three hundred and twenty three(1,323) people that surrendered their lives to Christ and received salvation in Rubiriizi Archdeaconry.

Alongside preaching the gospel, Bishop Onesimus also confirmed new Christians in the Church of Uganda Anglican faith, and these are the numbers for each parish; Ndago parish: 305, Katobotobo parish: 98, Nyamabaare parish: 189, Karukaata parish: 164, Rubiriizi parish (Archdeaconry centre): 205, totaling to Nine hundred and sixty-one (961) confirmants in Rubiriizi Archdeaconry.

In addition to preaching the gospel of Christ, Bishop Onesimus also preached the gospel of the revival in education of the boy Child, highlighting that a lot of advocacy has been done for the education of the Girl child, while the Boy child slowly weakens and wastes away in alcoholism and crime due to lack of attention. Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe therefore consistently called upon parents and guardians to take their boys to Makobore High School for proper and Godly grooming.

Bishop Onesimus also urged church leaders and Christians to practice strategic usage of the gift of land, by engaging in coffee farming so they can raise their incomes and improve their standards of living. He emphasized that according to research, coffee farming has proven to be the most reliable cash crop that can bring in money without fail.

The Bishop also persistently encouraged Christians to embrace the culture of saving their money, in order to secure their future. He requested people to save with the North Kigezi Diocese SACCO, whereby he demonstrated this by opening bank accounts and depositing some savings for at least one child in each parish he has visited. Many people responded by opening accounts with the North Kigezi Diocese SACCO.

To God be the glory.

Click on the link below for all the videos for Bishop Onesimus’ pastoral visits

https://www.youtube.com/@northkigezidioceserukungir3379

North Kigezi Diocese Lay Readers had a one-day retreat which was also termed as a refresher course, at Emmanuel Cathedral, Kinyasano. The Lay Readers’ retreat/Refresher course which was the first one of its kind, was organized and hosted by the Diocesan administration where the guest speaker was Rev. Can. Yolokam Kamoomo(Rtd) from South Ankole Diocese, assisted by Bishop Onesimus and Maama Florence Asiimwe, and moderated by the North Kigezi Diocesan Secretary; Rev. Enoch Karamuzi.

Speaking from experience, and with reference to Jesus’ ministry, Rev. Canon Yolokam Kamoomo who was once a Lay reader shared tips that made him succeed in his ministry, which among others included; Prayer, hard work, building good work relationships, studying the Bible (Being Bible students) and not to allow tiredness be an excuse for failure.

In her remarks, Maama Florence Asiimwe reassured the Lay readers of their GREAT IMPORTANCE in the ministry, emphasizing that without them, there would be no work for the top leaders of the Church. She highlighted the difference between Lay readership as a job and Lay readership as Ministry. She therefore encouraged the Lay readers to consider their service as ministry instead of a job, considering Jesus as their boss/supervisor.

Relating them with her father-in-law (Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe’s father), who was also a Lay reader, Maama Florence expressed her great respect for the Lay readers and encouraged them to serve relentlessly knowing that their works are known to God, and will be rewarded for their hard work, either in their generation or in generations to come.

Maama Florence also unveiled the proposed uniform for the Lay readers’ wives, which she requested the Bishop to approve and bless. The Lay readers appreciated the proposed uniform, while the Bishop promised to improve on it before commissioning. Maama Florence concluded her address with a promise of more fellowships with the women in ministry, especially the Clergy wives and the Lay readers’ wives, in the coming years.

In his address to the Lay readers, Bishop Onesimus expressed his appreciation to them and commended them for their tireless efforts in God’s ministry. Emphasizing their importance in ministry, he referred to them as “the foot soldiers” of Christ,and that there is no war that can be won without foot soldiers.

The Bishop pleaded with the Lay readers not to expect worldly riches in their ministry, but expect a heritage of faith for them and for their children. He however reminded them that if they work hard and honestly, God is also able to bless them with those riches. He encouraged them to seek God’s kingdom first, and use prayer as their main tool in their service.

The Bishop also reminded the Lay readers that, Christ is the Head of the church, and therefore asked them not stoop too low, in order to get favours from people, but seek favour from God.

He finally urged them to hang in there, go back re-energized and recharged, work in humility and wisdom.

The Diocesan Secretary; Rev. Enoch Karamuzi encouraged the Lay readers to properly use the church resources allocated to them for their families’ well-being and development. He also encouraged them to join the KIDO Insurance scheme for their benefit and the benefit of their families.

To God be the glory!

As part of the journey to establish and strengthen Diocesan governance systems and structures, members of five Diocesan Boards and one Project committee have been inducted and commissioned to perform their roles in their respective departments and projects, in accordance with the Diocesan Constitution and Governance Manual. This took place today 18th August at Emmanuel Cathedral, Kinyasano.

These included; the Board of Mission and Evangelism, Board of Education, Board of Audit and Assurance, Board of Lands and Estates, and Committee for Friends of North Kigezi Diocese(FNKD) Project, each Board and Committee consisting nine members as nominated by the Diocesan Council.

In his address to the Boards and Committee members, the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese; The Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe called upon them to have a burden for their Diocese, and give back to God with their skills, expertise and knowledge, for the development of the Diocese.

Bishop Onesimus tasked them to sacrifice, fast and pray. He asked them not to dwell on the past, but start from where they are, use what is available, be functional, dynamic and active for good results.

The Bishop then commissioned the Boards and the committee to start working, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

To God be the Glory!

Brethren, Praise the name of the Most High. God did it again! Please allow me share this Good News, for the glory of God.

We are encouraged to stand firm in prayer and keep our faith. Our God hears and answers our prayers. Hallelujah!

This Saturday 29th July 2023, Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe had a powerful ministry at Burama in Bwambara Archdeaconry in North Kigezi Diocese. Many people called on the name of Jesus for salvation.

Also, three boys (Primary 5, Primary 6, and Primary 7) had been sent home by their Headteachers because they had lost their ability to read anything in a book or even on the chalkboard. The medical workers had failed to detect any errors in the young men’s optical systems. When a mother of one of the boys mentioned it as her prayer request, Bishop Onesimus called forward the son and gave him a simple test of reading a text in the Bible. Indeed, the boy could not read any word. The Bishop therefore went ahead and prayed for him. The Lord restored his sight instantly.

Then, two more boys came with a similar problem, “Whenever I opened a book, I could only see darkness, and I could also not read from the chalkboard, so I was sent away from school and I am now at home,” said one of the boys.

After the Bishop had prayed for them, each one of them was given a Bible and they were able to read the texts they were asked to read.” Hallelujah! Fortunately, they had all come with their parents.

Following up with the Headteacher for two of the boys on the phone call, he confirmed the condition of those pupils and also thanked God for the miracles.

To God be the Glory!

Sunday, 2nd July 2023.

Five hundred (500) received the confirmation sacrament, more than two hundred (200) received Jesus Christ as their Saviour while ten (10) converted from the Roman Catholic Church to the Anglican Church of Uganda. This was during Bishop Onesimus’ pastoral visit to St. Luke Bwanga Parish which is also the center for Bwanga Archdeaconry.

The Bishop was in company of his dear wife Maama Florence Asiimwe and they were received in ecstasy by the Bwanga Christians led by the Bwanga Archdeacon; Ven. Dickson Kakanyisa and his dear wife Charity Kakanyisa, the Bwanga parish Head of Laity Mr. Emmy Byamukama , and the Bwanga Archdeacon Development Chairperson; Mr. Barigye Emmanuel with his dear wife Jane who hosted the Bishop and Maama Florence for breakfast which the Bishop termed as “a continental breakfast” at their ranch home in Shumba-Bwanga Archdeaconry. In attendance was also the Bwanga Archdeaconry head of Laity Mr. Patrick Muhangi, Canons, Clergy and government leaders.

During this pastoral visit, The Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe preached the gospel of revival, restoration and winning souls Christ. The Bishop also commissioned the construction of the new St. Luke Bwanga parish church building with a ground breaking ceremony, and planted a tree for the remembrance of his very first visit to Bwanga parish as Bishop.

Household and Community Transformation, Makobore High School, and North Kigezi Diocese SACCO

In his address to the Bwanga congregation, Bishop Onesimus unveiled his vision for the Diocese “First things first; seeking the kingdom of God first…”

He mobilized new students for Makobore High School, pleading for another chance of trust for the School, as a campaign for the restoration of its glory.

He applauded the Bwanga parish leadership for their coffee and avocado planting agenda for development, stressing that it will contribute a lot to their sustainable livelihoods development. He therefore encouraged the congregation to adopt it, both as the church and families for better utilization of the available land.

He also called upon the Christians to embrace the saving culture as they save with the North Kigezi Diocese SACCO.

To God be the glory.

As part of his Diocesan Projects tour, The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese; The Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe visited North Kigezi Diocese/Rukungiri Growers Orphans and Disabled Children’s Project (G.O.D’s), also commonly referred to as “The Chilli Children’s Project”.

The Bishop toured the Rehabilitation Centre at North Kigezi Diocese Kinyasano, led by Mrs. Mbabazi Evas; the Project Manager/Occupational Therapist. Mbabazi gave a detailed therapeutic explanation and demonstration on how different appliances/equipment are used on each individual patient.   

In her address, Mbabazi gave an overview of the Chilli Children’s Project major activities which she summarized as the Five finger project; Field surveys, Medical services, Education, Chilli growing and clubfoot/learning life skill clinics. She highlighted the respective hospitals in partnership with the project (Kisiizi Hospital, CORSU Hospital, CURE Children’s Hospital in Mbale, Bethel Surgico Clinic, etc). She recognized and appreciated the work done by the Project founder; Ms. Patricia Gilmer, Project current Trustees based in the United Kingdom, together with Emily the Project In-Country Trustee, Jenny Smith-Director CMS Northern Island, Mission Direct, Project Staff and above all, she greatly appreciated the parents and guardians for their love and care towards the dear children with disabilities.

In his address to the parents and guardians of the disabled children, Bishop Onesimus shared Psalm 127:3 “Children are a gift from God. They are a real blessing.” He appreciated them for not giving up on those children, for loving and caring for them in their conditions. He also encouraged them to be positive and have hope in those children, trusting that they will have a bright future, they will be normal and responsible citizens of this world, and they will also bear children with no faults.

The Bishop thanked God for the Project founder; Ms. Pat Gilmer, and all the funders for their generous and tremendous contribution, compassion and selflessness. He sensitized and cautioned the parents and guardians to be sensitive and protect these children with disabilities, against wrongdoers/harmful people in the community who may violate their rights. He encouraged parents and guardians to grow more chilli as an income generating activity to raise money and take care of those children’s needs.

He appreciated the efforts of the Project Staff led by Evas Mbabazi for doing an extraordinary work that requires love and patience.

Commissioning of the Medical Appliances

Bishop Onesimus then commissioned and blessed the medical appliances that came in as a donation from Norman, Rita and family from the United Kingdom. The appliances were purposely to support children with physical and mental impairment (Rehabilitation services). They include a Parallel bar, Cratches, Standing frame, Walker, Stair case, (to support and improve on mobility), Prone boards (to improve head-neck control), Therapeutic mats (for multiple functional activities/ exercises), Roller (to relieve muscle tightness), Bobath ball (neurodevelopmental treatment/NDT), potty commodes, cerebral palsy commodes (to support posture, and other functional skills).

In attendance, there was the Diocesan Secretary; Rev. Enoch Karamuzi, a member of the Project management board, Rev. Ronald Natuhwera, the Assistant DHO-Rukungiri District; Kyomuhangi Christine, well-wishers; Mo Power from United Kingdom, and Sydney Santos from United States of America.

To God be the Glory.

North Kigezi Diocese clergy and their spouses had a one-day retreat with Bishop Onesimus and Maama Florence Asiimwe. The clergy retreat took place at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano and the theme was from Matthew 6:33 “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these other things will be added unto you.” Alongside Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe, the Guest preacher was Rev. Can. Yolokam Kamoomo who was accompanied by his wife Canon Joy Kamoomo.

In his opening remarks, Bishop Onesimus expressed his appreciation to the clergy for a very warm welcome and love shown to him and his family, which is a symbol of their readiness to work with him in preaching the gospel of Christ. The Bishop also unveiled his vision for North Kigezi, to the clergy as “To see Revival in North Kigezi Diocese above everything else”.

In his sermon and teaching, Bishop Onesimus reminded the clergy that Christ is the Only Head for His Church, and the clergy are called to be shepherds of His Flock, and that they should be a good representation of Christ among His people, by living exemplary lives reflecting Christ’s service and shepherding (serving in humility, prayerfulness, etc). He emphasized that seeking God first before anything else would be the only way through which they are able to do their job, “It takes God’s power to do God’s work”.

In his sermon about seeking the Kingdom of God, Rev.Can. Yolokam Kamoomo emphasized the importance of four key things that every servant of God should practice; having a Vision, prayer, patience, repentance and hardwork (working for God and for their families).

While addressing the clergy wives, Maama Florence Asiimwe also unveiled her commitment to North Kigezi Diocese as “Making the gospel of Christ attractive”: She encouraged the clergy wives to preach the gospel of Christ where God has placed them with good works like being hospitable, and being supportive of their husbands’ ministry,

“We cannot compete with our husbands to preach the gospel in the pulpit, but we can preach the gospel by making our husband’s gospel attractive. Preach the gospel with your good works and where necessary use the words. Tell that flask that, You flask, You and I shall preach the gospel in Jesus’ name. You table, you shall never run dry, and you and I shall preach the gospel in Jesus’ name.” Maama Florence Asiimwe.

Clergy Transfers

Among other administrative communications, Bishop Onesimus called upon the clergy to make good use of the church land for development, especially to plant coffee trees.

The Bishop also read the clergy transfers including the placement of the newly ordained deacons as follows;

   Staff posting/Transfers-June 2023

S/N0Parish/InstitutionChurch Minister postedHis/Her former station/position
1.Ndere ParishRev. Mbabazi James(Priest)Burama Parish
2.All Saints Church RukungiriRev. Murangira Alfred(Deacon) as CurateTraining in All Saints Church Rukungiri
3.Kakonkoma ParishRev. Mwijuka Andrew(Priest)Kinyasano Girls High School
4.Rwanyanja ParishRev. Kwehangana Richard(Deacon)Training in Buhandagazi Parish
5.Marashaniro ParishRev. Byaruhanga Godfrey(Deacon)Training in Bwanga
6.Kyamurari ParishRev. Kweringa Fred(Deacon)Training in Nyakiju/Kitojo Parish
7.Buhandagazi ParishRev. Syson Gumisiriza(Priest)Nyabushenyi Parish
8.Rukungiri Tech. Institute Kyamakada ParishRev. Amanya Benson (Deacon) as Chaplain/CurateTraining in Rukungiri Technical Institute
9.Kinyasano B.P.S & Emmanuel CathedralRev. Elias Nuwagaba(Deacon) as Chaplain and CurateTraining in Bugangari S.S.S
10.Bwambara ParishRev. Bitambo Dennis(Deacon)Training in Rugyera-Nyabubaare Parish
11.Makobore H/SRev. Taremwa Hannington(Deacon) as CurateTraining in Makobore H/S
12.Kasoroza ParishRev. Edinah Arinaitwe(Deacon) as CurateTraining in Emmanuel Cathedral
13.Bugangari ArchdeaconryRev. Mugire Borman(Deacon) Curate/Chaplain Bugangari S.S.STraining in Bwambara
14.St. Luke Garubunda-Kakinga ArchRev. Twongyeirwe James(Deacon)Training in Rumbugu
15.Kinyasano G.H.SRev. Isabella Natwijuka(Deacon) as ChaplainTraining in Kinyasano
16.Bwanga ParishRev. Ampumuza Faith(Deacon) as Curate/Chaplain-Bwanga S.S.STraining in Kashanda C.O.U
17.Rumbugu ParishRev. Muhairwe Edson(Priest)Kyabugashe Parish
18.Burama ParishRev. Owoyesigyire Martine(Deacon)Training in Garubunda
19.Kyabugashe ParishRev. Omara Arthur(Priest)Chaplain-Nyakagyeme Parish S.s
20.Nyabushenyi ParishRev. Erastone KyomukamaKatobotobo Parish Rubirizi
21.Nyakagyeme S.SRev. Amos Musinguzi of Nyamifura Parish acting Chaplain 
22.Kahoko Mitooma ParishRev. Nabaasa Edson(Deacon)Training in Rwabukoba
23.Katobotobo ParishRev. Twongyeirwe David(Deacon)Training in Katungu

Posting transfers take effect on 01/07/2023.

To God be the glory!

The four-days retreat for the North Kigezi Diocese Ordinands and spouses has kicked off today at Hotel Riverside-Rukungiri and will end on Saturday 27th May 202, leading to their ordination on Sunday 28th May 2023. The retreat is meant to prepare the ordinands for the office of deacon ministry.

The retreat was officially opened by The Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe who was accompanied by his wife Maama Florence Asiimwe. In his opening remarks, Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe refered to the ordinands as “blessed” for they were going to be his “firstborn”, as this would be his maiden ordination service to officiate. He therefore urged the ordinands to “put first things first”, making reference to Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and these things will be given to you as well.” With emphasis, the Bishop also charged them to be exemplary, to honour God, and not try to win favour of men “Okuhakwa”. He advised them to use the time of the retreat for reflection on their calling and not for honeymoon.

The facilitators of the retreat include;

Of the sixteen (16) ordinands, ten(10) hold a Certificate in Theology, from Canon Ndimbirwe Bible College, two(2) have a Diploma in Theology, from Bishop Barham University Kabale, while four(4) hold a Bachelor’s degree in Divinity(three from Bishop Barham University Kabale, and one from Uganda Christian University, Mukono). The ordinands include;

  1. Martin Owoyesigire
  2. Kwehangana Richard
  3. Nabaasa Edson
  4. Issabella Natwijuka
  5.  Mugire Bornan
  6. Alfred Murangira
  7. Elias Nuwagaba
  8. Kweringa Fred
  9. James Twongyeirwe
  10. Benson Amanya
  11. Godfrey Byaruhanga
  12. Faith Ampumuza
  13. Taremwa Haningtone
  14. David Twongyeirwe
  15. Bitambo Denis Maryarya
  16. Arinaitwe Edinah

To God be the Glory

Click on this link to watch Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe’s speechhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGEctB8eXnw&t=24s