12 retired church leaders awarded

By Carol Kasujja

KAMPALA - More than 300 people converged at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala for the maiden celebration of church leadership excellence in Uganda.

The Bible Leadership Excellence Awards 2015, organized by the Bible Society of Uganda (BSU), recognized 12 retired church leaders for serving the Lord as faithful stewards.

Each of the dozen clergy – from the Anglican, Catholic and Pentecostal churches – received a plaque and sh1m.

Those recognized were Rtd. Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi, Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, Rtd Archbishop Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo, Pastor John Kakembo, Apostle Alex Mitala, Pr. Christian Aliddeki, Pr.John Wani, Rev Dr. Michael Okwakol, His Grace Lote Kiwanuka, Pastor Titus Oundo, Pastor Echeru and Ps. Nicholas Wafula.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Solomon Okecho of Bank of Uganda who represented the deputy governor of Bank of Uganda, Louis Kasekende, thanked the 12 church leaders for the good mentorship and guidance over the years.

“It takes a person of great conviction, honour, charisma and faith to lead,” he said.

“In my view, the recipients of this year’s leadership award have exhibited these values and so much more during their time at the helm.”

He also called upon leaders and the bible society to encourage members of their community to save their money, bank their income in supervised financial institutions, invest their disposable income and make smart financial decisions.

He contributed sh5m towards the fundraising drive for an ongoing countrywide bible distribution project.
 

Addressing guests, Simon Peter Mukhama, the Bible Society general secretary said they awarded past church leaders who retired scandal-free.

“I congratulate our fathers upon receiving a bible leadership excellence award. We looked out for leaders from all churches who served at national level and retired scandal-free.

“When we got the names, the board of governors agreed that, true, those were the names,” he said.

Rtd Archbishop Nkoyoyo was elated over being an award recipient. “I am proud of this achievement. I thank the Bible Society of Uganda for remembering us.

“For many people, when you retire, that is the end of you. I encourage other organisations to also honour their past leaders who helped them grow, said Nkoyoyo.

Pastor John Kakembo sounded similar sentiments. “Usually when you retire, a few people call you in the first days, but after sometime, no one calls you.

“The bible society has done something good. This also makes us feel good that we passed on good knowledge,” he said.

On his part, Rtd Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi expressed his gratitude.

“It is an amazing thing for Bible society to honour people who were once in ministry. I am happy for the recognition. May God bless them.”
 

Pastor Nicholas Wafula receiving his award. (Credit: Godiver Asege)

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Rt. Rev Henry Luke Orombi with his family members after receiving his award. (Credit: Godiver Asege)
 

Guesst at the Leadership Excellence Awards ceremony. (Credit: Godiver Asege)
 

Children entertaining guests at the event. (Credit: Godiver Asege)