Bishop Mwesigwa appointed dean of the province

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has announced that the Rt. Rev. Assoc. Prof. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, the bishop of Ankole diocese is the incoming Dean of the Province.

The announcement was made during the Church of Uganda’s 27th Provincial Assembly which was officially closed Thursday by Archbishop Kaziimba. 

Delegates at the Assembly convened for two days from 21 to 22 August 2024 at Uganda Christian University in Mukono, and deliberated on critical church matters and the formulation of strategies aimed at enhancing self-sustainability.

The Provincial Assembly is the supreme body of the Church of Uganda, It convenes every two years to deliberate on critical church matters and provide strategic direction for its development and self-sustainability. In between sessions, the Provincial Assembly Standing Committee (PASC) regularly meets to conduct business on its behalf.

In a statement released by the office of the Provincial Secretary Church of Uganda, Rev Canon William Ongeng, Bishop Mwesigwa will succeed the Rt. Rev. Joseph Abura, the Bishop of Karamoja diocese who is set to retire on Sunday, 25 August, 2024. 

According to the Provincial constitution 1972, as amended in 1994 and 2016, Article 11 (1) stipulates that the Dean of the Province is the most senior Bishop. Seniority is determined based on the date of consecration as a Bishop.

Bishop Mwesigwa was consecrated at Ruharo grounds on July 18, 2010, becoming the 5th bishop of the Ankole diocese. 

Described by many as a dynamic, visionar, focused and strategic thinker, Bishop Mwesigwa celebrated his 14th anniversary this year as the Bishop of Ankole diocese.

In his remarks, the Archbishop encouraged delegates to play an active role in tree planting in efforts to conserve the environment.

This he said should be done whenever they have big celebrations such as baptism, confirmation, weddings and other important functions.

Kaziimba said that bishops resolved that all confirmation candidates must be given a chance to plant a tree-fruit or environmentally friendly tree on church land or at home to restore beauty.

Other key resolutions and announcements made at the Assembly were; approval of the 2025 theme and ongoing initiatives, enhanced support and funding for youth and children’s ministry, strategic partnership and continued support for Uganda Christian University.

Others were; advocate on HIV/AIDS, support for women clergy, environmental conservation and climate change, upholding the moratorium on New dioceses, Provincial Constitutional Amendment and Canons Review, Equity Bank partnership and support for Uganda Revenue Authority.