Ankole Diocese picks committee to choose new bishop

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The Ankole Diocese governing body (synod) has constituted a 15-member committee as the process to find the 6th bishop takes shape.

The constituted committee is formed of different representatives, including clergy, canons, lay people and other members.

The team led by Ambassador Francis Butagira, who is also the diocesan chancellor, was constituted during the 27th synod session held on Thursday in Mbarara City at St.James Cathedral-Ruharo, the diocesan headquarters.

The 27th synod was chaired by the Rt Rev Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, the fifth bishop of the Ankole Diocese, who is scheduled to retire on September 27, 2017.

Rt Rev. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa blessing the nomination committee which was instituted on Thursday at St.James Cathedral. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

Born on September 29, 1962, Bishop Mwesigwa was consecrated as the fifth bishop of Ankole in 2010.

Members on the nomination committee include: Ven Rev Sarah Abareba, Ven Rev Patrick Atuhaire, Rev Aggrey Aijuka, Ven Rev Canon Stephen and Canon John Kaganzi.

Others are Martin Kananura, Nathan Mugume, Dr Jeninah Mwesigye, Winnie Atwiine, Aston Perplex, Darison Owomugasho and Doreen Ninsiima Desire.

"Today has been a special day for the 27th synod of Ankole diocese since it started. A synod is a very high-level organ of the church. We believe that the best of the best will be coming out, and when there is an election, we shall not have issues, “Bishop Mwesigwa added.

According to Bishop Mwesigwa, the committee was selected through an electoral process.

In the same session, they also ratified others that are going to help the diocese in areas of health, education, household and community transformation, mission and evangelism.

Bishop Mwesigwa has already started his pastoral visits, which will cover all 84 parishes of the diocese, saying goodbye to Christians he has led since 2010 when he was installed as bishop.

Rt Rev. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa posing for a photo with members of the nomination committee. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

The diocesan synod is the top organ that helps to map out the strategic direction of the diocese with key policies and other important milestones that need to be achieved.

Rev Noel Erick, Principal of Uganda Bible Institute, one of the delegates who attended the synod, hailed the 27th synod for approving several programmes aimed at developing the diocese.

He thanked the leadership of the diocese under Bishop Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa for several projects which are generating millions in terms of income for the diocese.

Hebert Batungirwe Titakirwa, who was elected as the chairman of the Ankole Diocese, Lay readers commended the changed status of the diocese in terms of welfare and development.