By Fred Turyakira

A senior West Ankole diocese priest, who recently crossed to the Pentecostal church, has been baptized.

Rev. Canon Benon Byamugisha was baptized in the Ekiyanja Ky’omugabe Lake in Mbarara district.

He and other 13 converts from Islam, Roman Catholic and Anglican faiths were baptized by Pastor Norman Mugarura of Daystar cathedral in the presence of the church’s bishop, Nathan Turyamureeba. 

Byamugisha, 54, served as the diocesan health coordinator in the diocese at Bweranyangi in Bushenyi district.

He accused fellow priests in the diocese of persecuting him.

He said he had suffered from a strange ailment that had blocked his digestive system, forcing him into a month of not being able to eat.

But when a Pentecostal pastor, Wilberforce Ssamanya, prayed for him, he “got well”.

Byamugisha has served before in many churches including Rwankora, Nshungi, Rwabutura parishes.

 He also served in Rweibare and Masheruka- Buhweju archdeaconries.

Rev. Can. Benon Muhwezi, the diocesan secretary, said he was shocked by Byamugisha’s change of faith.

The bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Yona Katonene said the church was praying for Byamugisha to come back and serve in the Anglican Church.

But he refuted allegations that Byamugisha was bewitched by fellow priests, addING that they were praying he returns.

 “We cannot ex-communicate him now because we have hope that he will change his mind,” he said.