Emulate Nkoyoyo, Gasatura tells Christians

The Bishop of Butare Diocese in Rwanda, Rt. Rev. Nathan Gasatura, has urged Christians to emulate the character of the former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo, if they want to defeat the devil and live longer.

Gasatura made the remarks while preaching to hundreds of students of Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara who turned up to witness the official opening of Bishop Stuart University week and mission. He confirmed 34 students on the same day.

He told the students that Nkoyoyo lived a humble and transformed life, explaining that he was from a royal class but accepted to abandon the millions he earned from his job repairing expensive cars and to work for God to repair people's hearts.

"I remember Nkoyoyo's summon when he came to Rwanda in 1997 for the installation of the new archbishop, he told us that he was a mechanic of those very expensive cars and was earning a lot of money but God told him that he needed him to repair people's hearts because distorted hearts do wrong things and he accepted the calling" he said.

He said he was unhappy with people who had circulated rumours that the Archbishop had died.

Gasatura also urged Christians not to run away from their faith but to remain firm saying once their faith grows stronger, the devil will run away from them. He told them that for one to be a noble instrument and believe in their master, needs to separate themselves from the wrong things.

Commenting on the issue of increasing corruption in Uganda, Gasatura said Rwanda has managed to eliminate corruption because the biggest percentage of Rwandan leaders gave themselves to God, are patriotic and have a mission of building their country and defend their integrity.

Hinting on the issue of presidential handshake, the Gasatura who is also a born in Ntungamo, and former student of Makobore High School, Kampala High and Makerere University, said those complaining about it are probably fighting it because they didn't get a chunk for themselves.

He commended the current leadership that has brought harmony in Uganda. He told the story of how he survived to be slaughtered by Milton Obote's men under the order of Chris Rwakasisi and Col. Omala a day towards his graduation at Makerere University.

"We were beaten, arrested, tortured by governments of that time. I had been arrested many times before, but that day when they came to arrest me I said let what may and I became harsh on them kicked them left and right and they had to bring special forces which arrested me put in me in a cell but a Police officer who I had prayed for released me and that's how I survived and managed to graduate" he said.

He encouraged Ugandan students that on top of their local languages they should learn others saying this will help them and open up their opportunities to get fat jobs especially those in developed countries.

Bishop Stuart's vice chancellor urged students to keep a solid love for their university.