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It was pomp and colour as Christians flocked Kabubwa Church of Uganda Parish in Kakumiro District of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese, to bid farewell to Rt. Bishop Samuel Kahuma, as he prepares to retire in August this year. 

Bishop Kahuma was consecrated and installed as the fifth Bishop of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese on December 4, 2016, succeeding his predecessor Emeritus Bishop Nathan Kyamanywa. 

Kahuma confirmed over 80 children and said his visit to Kabubwa Church of Uganda was to thank Christians for the support, unity, and teamwork towards the development of the church 

He commended Rev. Edward Twesigye of Kabubwa Parish for his hard work and asked Christians to support the incoming Bishop. 

“I’m retiring but not tired, you can always consult me for advice where necessary. I want to urge the clergy to also retire honourably like me. Sometimes when clergy retire, they live miserable lives which should not be the case in the current generation. Prepare early enough spiritually and economically to avoid a desperate life,” said Kahuna. 

The Archdeacon of All Saints Kakumiro archdeaconry, Rev. Paddy Eleazer Irumba, thanked Bishop Kahuma and said for the last seven years working with Bishop Kahuma, churches have grown spiritually and economically. 

“We want to thank Bishop Kahuma for words of wisdom, hard work, and love for us. He has been mobilising the clergy to develop economically, socially, and spiritually. Most clergy have acquired higher levels of education due to his advice as well as initiating projects like apiary, piggery tree planting, and SACCOS formations,” said Irumba. 

Rev. Twesigye Edward the Kakubwa parish priest who led the guided tour of the Church projects initiated by Christians including a multi-million priest’s house spearheaded by the Bishop, lauded the Kahuma for his love, encouragement, hard work, and supporting the clergy, especially in education and spiritual growth. 

“We shall miss our beloved Bishop Kahuma because he has been loving, encouraging development, especially education of the clergy where he encouraged me to upgrade from being a catechist to reverend and from certificate to diploma. Churches have grown from sub-parishes to parishes and archdeacons under his leadership,” said Twesigye. 

Successor 

Bishop Kahuma will clock the retirement age of 65 on August 28, 2024. He was consecrated Bishop on Dec 4, 2016. 

A committee has been put in place to identify possible nominees from whom Kahuma’s replacement will be chosen. 

Eligibility for nomination requires prospective candidates to be ordained priests with a minimum of ten years of practical experience in pastoral ministry and should be at least 45 years old. 

The individual seeking nomination must hold a bachelor’s degree in Theology or Divinity and, alternatively, possess a degree in another field supplemented by a postgraduate diploma in Theology or Divinity.