CHRISTIANS | CHURCH | RUGUNDA 

KIGEZI - Former Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda has said both the Anglican and the Catholic Church in Uganda were doing great work serving the communities, therefore, deserve all the support from government. 

“The Church, both Anglican and Catholic, has done great work in Uganda and other countries, especially in the field of education, health and other activities so much that they now compete with the government in the provision of services to the people,” he stated.

Dr. Stephen Kaziimba, the archbishop of Uganda blessed ministers and other guests at the function. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)

Rugunda added that he was a beneficiary of the Church when the late Bishop Festo Kivengere paid his tuition and enabled him to complete his course as a private student at a university in the United States. 

Dr. Rugunda, now serving as a special envoy was Sunday, May 29, 2022, speaking at a special dinner and fellowship for bishops and other guests who attended the installation of Canon Gaddie Akanjuna, the new bishop of Kigezi diocese. 

The new bishop of Kigezi, Gaddie Akanjuna, speaks as the Archbishop, Dr. Stephen Kaziimba (L) and state minister for industry, David Bahati (C) look on.

The dinner organized by state minister for industry, David Bahati at his home in Nyamiya in Kitumba Sub County in Kabale district, was attended by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Right Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the outgoing bishop, George Bagamuhunda and several bishops and clergy, ministers, Members of Parliament and Kabale district local leaders. 

The ministers included Ruth Nankabirwa, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Henry Musasizi and the host Bahati.   

Bishops at Bahati's home in Nyamiya village, Mwndo parish in Kitumba sub county, Kabale district.

Dr. Rugunda who earlier in the day represented President Yoweri Museveni at the consecration ceremony commended Bishop Bagamuhunda, saying he had left Kigezi diocese more united than ever before. 

He also commended him and the Right Rev. Callistus Rubaramira of the Catholic diocese of Kabale for working together to unite people and for the serious way they have demonstrated to their parishioners of working together, which political leaders should emulate. 

The outgoing bishop of Kigezi, George Bagamuhunda (L) and incoming Gaddie Akanjuna serve themselves dinner at Bahati's home.

He said he was pleased with the messages of unity, preaching the word of God and fighting poverty that was conveyed by different speakers during the consecration ceremony. 

He said there was need for the Church and the government to reinforce each other and work to uplift the lives of the poor as Jesus did. 

He congratulated the new Bishop and his wife Charity and assured them of government support. 

The Kabale district Kadhi, sheikh Kabu Lule and a bishop arrive at Bahati's home, Centre is the new bishop of Kigezi Gaddie akanjuna.

Dr. Kaziimba said Kigezi is a land of revival and applauded the Banyakigezi for their hospitality and generosity, which he said talks much about their spirituality, which is interwoven. 

He said wherever members of the Banyakigezi are serving, they have been generous and supportive of the Church, especially those in Kampala, led by Bahati. 

He pledged full support to the new bishop as he too brings onboard new ideas. 

He pledged that the Church would continue to work hand in hand with the government in the field of education and health and other sectors. 

Bishop Akanjuna pledged to continue working with his predecessor as requested. 

"You handed over to me the mantle through the Archbishop and I believe I will protect it jealously, and as you said that you will support me, I know you will indeed because we have been together," he said.

The dinner was also attended by the Muslim district Kadhi, sheikh Kabu Lule.