Kaziimba opens 9th Annual Youth Convention in Mbarara

MBARARA - Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu of the Church of Uganda has officially opened the 9th Provincial Annual Youth and Students Convention in Mbarara city. 

The four-day gathering has attracted over 800 youth from the 39 dioceses that make up the Church of Uganda.

Hosted on Ruharo hill, the headquarters of Ankole diocese, the convention is themed: 'Leadership that imitates God’s Goodness'.

It all started with a church service held at St James Cathedral, Ruharo on Tuesday (December 9).

In his opening message, Kaziimba tasked the youth with committing to a mission mindset by partnering with their diocesan offices to guide them. He encouraged them to use digital platforms for good deeds, including spreading the word of God.

“'You are not just attendees. You are carriers of purpose called to lead and to serve in this generation.

“Don’t use the [digital] platforms for abusing or character assassination. Please resist that. These platforms cannot forget, you can abuse now but, in the future, you leave a signature of that person you have abused and will find him while looking for a job,” cautioned the top cleric.

Kaziimba also advised the youth to be influencers of hope, urging them to cherish peace, unity and stability. He also challenged them to be a generation that transforms politics through services through principle and not power seeking.

“Don’t use the [digital] platforms for abusing or character assassination. Please resist that. These platforms cannot forget, you can abuse now but, in the future, you leave a signature of that person you have abused and will find him while looking for a job,” cautioned the top cleric. (Credit: Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

“The Church stands with you as you pursue righteous governance and God honoring influence."

He also appealed to the youth to be creators, innovators and pioneers to start enterprises that uplift communities by using their God-given talents.

In line with youth policy, the church is committed to equipping them for the mission life through providing training, mentorship and resources as they enter spaces of need.
Kaziimba​ also preached the gospel of love.

He appreciated diocesan youth workers, coordinators and all partners in ministry for the work well-done. He appreciated western region dioceses led by Ankole diocese for making the convention a reality.

The opening ceremony was also attended by the dean of the Province of the Church of Uganda, Rt Rev Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, and Rt Rev Nathan Ahimbisibwe, the bishop of South Ankole.

Bishop ​Mwesigwa appreciated the organizers of the convention, especially for choosing Ankole diocese to host the first convention outside Kampala city. He encouraged the youth to breathe the breath of the East African Revival. He also interested them to visit the East African Revival Museum.

Bishop Ahimbisibwe, the chief preacher, urged the youths to develop the spirit of forgiveness and give salvation a priority in their lives, noting that God will shape them to another level.

He told them to see far beyond temptation, telling them a story of how he survived someone who had attempted to derail his life in 1989.  

Elvin Karuhanga, the chief executive officer of Blue City Investment Ltd, was the chief guest at the opening ceremony. He urged the youth to find strength by relying on the power of God.