Bunyoro bishop Ateirweho warns clergy aginst keeping Church money in houses
The cleric says Church treasurers have been keeping the Church's money in their houses, which is unprofessional.
Rt. Rev. Jacob Ateirweho Amooti (Right), the Bishop of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese speaking to the media after the synod meeting as Robert Owangonza, the diocesan head of laity, looks on. (Photos by Peter Abaanabasazi)
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Bunyoro Kitara bishop Jacob Ateirweho has warned the clergy against keeping Church money in their houses.
Ateirweho says the diocesan board of finance last year resolved, and the Synod approved, that all churches in the diocese should open up bank accounts in recognised financial institutions for proper accountability and to prevent collection mismanagement.
The cleric says Church treasurers have been keeping the Church's money in their houses, which is unprofessional.
He adds that in some areas, conflicts have been observed as some of the clergy object to the decision of banking the money.
He has urged the heads of laity, priests and treasurers to adhere to the resolution and that those who will fail, will face the diocesan tribunal.
“Church money is not for keeping in people’s houses. When you keep money in the house, it can be stolen, and the person keeping it is always at risk. So, I encourage all churches to open up bank accounts and avoid risks,” he says.
He was addressing the media after closing the three-day 25th Synod Conference at St Peter's Cathedral in Hoima city on May 8, 2026.
Diocese gets new synod
Bishop Ateirweho also revealed that the diocese had inaugurated a new diocesan synod, which is the supreme decision-making body of the Anglican diocese, responsible for governance, policy and electing key leaders.
According to him, the 25th synod, was appointed following the expiry of the four-year term of the previous one.
He added that during the synod conference of 400 delegates, they elected a diocesan council headed by the bishop and also appointed the diocesan tribunal headed by the diocesan chancellor.
The synod also elected a counsel, Robot Irumba, as diocesan chancellor replacing counsel Hamu Mugenyi, whose term of 12 years had expired.
He added that the Ven. Rev. Can. Francis Mugisa was elected chairperson of the House of Clergy, deputised by the Rev. Can. Paddy Irumba, while Robert Owangonza was re-elected as diocesan head of laity and deputised by Alice Kabasana.