RELIGION | KIGEZI | BISHOP BAGAMUHUNDA 

KAMPALA - The state minister of trade and industry, David Bahati has commended the outgoing Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, George Bagamuhunda, for the role he played in uniting Christians in the diocese. 

Bahati made the commendation during a farewell service organized by Kigezi Diocese, Kampala Chapter at All Saints’ Cathedral Nakasero in Kampala on Sunday in honor of Bagamuhunda. 

“I want to thank you, our bishop for all you have done in our diocese. When you talk about Bishop Bagamuhunda there are three things you can’t forget and one being unity in diversity and for the purpose,” he said. 

The right Rev. George Chris Bagamuhunda, the outgoing bishop of Kigezi bidding farewell to Banyakigezi Kampala Chapter at All Saints Church Nakasero. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)

He added, “The bishop has really united us as Christians in the diocese which is very important and should not be buried by manipulation and manoeuvre”. 

As the head of the consecration committee Kampala Chapter, Bahati revealed their decision to cater for tents, chairs, screens, address system and media coverage during the consecration. 

The Minister for ICT and National Guidance Dr. Chris Baryomunsi used the occasion to condemn the emerging tendencies of religious intolerance in Kigezi region. 

Baryomunsi reminded the Banyakigezi that religious intolerance was one of the issues which pushed the National Resistance Movement (NRM/NRA) to the bush “and can’t be accepted back.” 

“This vice, this disease of religious sectarianism and which sometimes springs up during elections and selection of religious leaders of different denominations in the region, is totally unacceptable, we should treat each other as children of God even if there are issues which differentiate us,” Baryomunsi said. 

He used the occasion to laud Bagamuhunda for being one of those exemplary bishops in the region who has led without discriminating against people based on their faith. 

“We encourage other religious leaders and even other political leaders to borrow that example that we should be able to lead people of all types without any cause for discrimination and that’s the philosophy of the NRM. 

NRM does not believe in sectarianism, discrimination believes in people uniting and working together despite different backgrounds,” Baryomunsi said. 

Baryomunsi’s remarks come just a few days after a section of Christians from Greater Kigezi petitioned Archbishop of Uganda Stephen Kaziimba over what they termed as irregularities in nomination and election of Rev. Gad Akanjuna who is set to replace Bagamuhunda as the next Bishop of Kigezi. 

Akanjuna is set to be consecrated on May 29, 2022 at the event that will be presided over by the Archbishop at Kigezi High school playgrounds. 

In response, the church hierarchy has tasked the group to petition God who chooses ministers in his ministry. 

Sheikh Kassim Kamugisha (L), Deputy RCC Nakawa and former Kabale Municipality MP aspirant on the NRM ticket hugs the Right Rev. George Bagamuhunda, the outgoing bishop of Kabale diocese at a farewell party organized by Kigezi Diocese, Kampala Chapter at All Saints’ Cathedral Nakasero in Kampala.

Bagamuhunda announced early retirement last year, following his meeting with the archbishop. 

He allegedly based his decision on health-related matters to quit at 63 years, two years before attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65 per the church canon laws. 

Bagamuhunda who was accompanied by his wife Maama Chris Bagamuhunda, commended the Christians of Kampala Chapter for their support to the diocese and their respective churches back home. 

“I pray that our unity as people of Kigezi shall continue to prevail with humility. You should have the ability to bear with everybody and have the heart of forgiveness to those who hurt, persecute and abandoned you,” he said. 

He added; “We should build one another as people coming from one area. Love binds us together in perfect unity. Let God’s goodness continue multiplying in you.” 

Maama Bagamuhunda who has also served as the Mothers Union president in the diocese thanked all Christians for supporting their ministry. 

“I want to thank you, especially women for your support to our ministry and I implore you to stick to God because he is generous and fulfils,” she said. 

The chairperson of Kigezi Diocese Kampala Chapter, Jessica Tushemereirwe said; “I want to thank you our bishop and your wife Maama Bagamuhunda for loving us. The time we have spent with you, you have done great for us and you have always given us time and counsel.” 

“Our plan as the chapter is to reach out to all Christians and mobilise the youth into the youth ministry. All this will be on top of supporting women's programmes. Therefore, we call for your support in all these endeavors.”