Ankole Diocese hosts this year’s Provincial Youth Convention

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The Anglican Diocese of Ankole is set to host the 9^th Edition Provincial Annual Youth and Students Convention, slated to take place from December 8^th to 11^th this year.

The developments were announced during a media briefing held on Monday at the Ankole Diocese Bishop’s Office in Mbarara City. The event, which is organised under a regional rotation model, will attract thousands of youths from different dioceses under the Province of the Church of Uganda.

The Convention will be hosted at Mbarara High School and Bishop Stuart University, and it runs under the theme “Leadership that Imitates God’s Goodness” (Galatians 6:9-10), with the Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe, Bishop of South Ankole Diocese, as the main speaker.

The Provincial Treasurer, Balaam Muheebwa, represented the Provincial Secretary, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, while Rev. Canon Edison Abaasa, the Ankole Diocesan Secretary, represented the Bishop of the Ankole Diocese, Associate Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, at the media briefing.

Muheebwa disclosed that under this new plan, the Western Region will begin the rotation hosting model, followed by the Eastern Region, which will host PAYSCO 2026.

He noted that the Church of Uganda has chosen to take PAYSCO into the regions as a deliberate step towards strengthening discipleship, empowerment and mission among young people across the country, across the province, which will allow them to reach more dioceses, strengthen regional ownership and deepen the spiritual impact of their organisation.

Muheebwa praised the leadership of Ankole Diocese, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara High School, and bishops from the 15 dioceses in the Western Region for their support in preparing for the event.

Muheebwa noted that preparations are moving along well, adding on to appeal for more support and prayers from all stakeholders.  The Provincial Youth and Students Department has visited 14 dioceses in the Western Cluster to gather support and conduct awareness activities.

Rev. Canon Edison Abasa, the Ankole Diocesan Secretary. (Credit: Annita Matsika)

Rev. Canon Edison Abasa, the Ankole Diocesan Secretary, confirmed the Diocese’s readiness to host the convention. He mentioned that they are working closely with Bishop Stuart University and Mbarara High School to ensure smooth planning, security, liturgy, accommodation, protocol, health services and all other logistics.

He added that this kind of collaboration will further cement the role of these institutions as key pillars of Christian-based education and also youth development.

He extended his gratitude towards the province, led by His Grace Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, for considering it worthy that the Ankole diocese and its University host the 1st regional Provincial Annual Youth and Students Convention.

To ensure that every aspect of this event meets the highest standards as expected, Canon Abaasa disclosed that they have coordinated clearly with the provincial secretariat, the local government authorities, security agencies, and our host institutions, Bishop Stuart University and Mbarara High School.

Rev. Canon Abasa urged parents, diocesan leaders, and communities to support their young people in attending, stating that the convention provides a valuable opportunity for discipleship, mentorship, and spiritual growth.

He emphasised that the convention is a significant and important platform for developing Christian leadership among youths and students throughout the church of Uganda.

Each delegate (Youth) will contribute sh80,000 to cover accommodation, meals, learning materials, and other logistics.