Kigezi bishop ordains 25 clergy, urges faithfulness to God’s calling

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The Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, has ordained 18 deacons and seven priests and challenged them to remain faithful to Jesus Christ, uphold the teachings of the Church, and serve God's people with dedication, humility and spiritual integrity.

The colourful ordination and priesthood service was held at St. Peter's Cathedral, Rugarama, in the Northern Division of Kabale Municipality and was attended by hundreds of Christians, clergy, political leaders and guests from Uganda and neighbouring Rwanda.

Addressing the newly ordained clergy, Bishop Akanjuna reminded them that they had been entrusted with a sacred responsibility to shepherd God's people and guide them in their faith.

He urged them to serve with one heart and remain committed to the authority entrusted to them by the Church.

The Bishop warned the deacons and priests against allowing Christians under their care to be misled by false prophets and false teachings, saying they have a duty to safeguard the faith and ensure believers remain grounded in biblical truth.

He encouraged the ordinands to continue respecting and serving God, noting that it is only through God's grace that they had reached such an important milestone in their ministry.

Bishop Akanjuna emphasised that preaching the Gospel and leading people to salvation is not an easy task but one that requires sacrifice, patience, commitment and constant prayer.

He urged them not to be deceived by Satan but instead to seek God's guidance in all aspects of their ministry.

He further stressed the importance of remaining faithful to the teachings of the Anglican Church and working diligently to strengthen the spiritual lives of Christians entrusted to their care.

The bishop also highlighted the significance of theological education and spiritual formation, saying the training, retreats and academic preparation undertaken by the clergy were meant to equip them for effective ministry.

"The knowledge and skills you acquired during your training should now be reflected in your ministry. You are called to serve God faithfully and lead His people with humility and dedication," he said.

Bishop Akanjuna added that God's ministry is not a one-person responsibility but a shared mission involving both church leaders and Christians working together to spread the Gospel. He encouraged the newly ordained clergy to work closely with believers in promoting the Word of God and strengthening the Church.

He reminded them that ministry comes with numerous challenges but urged them to remain steadfast and focus on being good shepherds who care for God's people and lead them closer to Christ.

The Emeritus Bishop of Butare Anglican Diocese in Rwanda, Rt. Rev. Nathan Gasatura, congratulated the newly ordained clergy and urged them to remain committed to preaching the Word of God and serving Christians faithfully throughout their ministry.

Bishop Gasatura encouraged them to uphold Christian values, maintain high moral standards and remain dedicated to the work of God despite the challenges they may encounter.

He also commended the Diocese of Kigezi for its unwavering commitment to evangelism and strengthening the Christian faith, noting that its efforts have played a vital role in spreading the Gospel and nurturing believers across the region.

Delivering the sermon, the Archdeacon of Kitunga Archdeaconry, Rev. Canon Yoram Ntorainwe, urged the newly ordained deacons and priests to remain committed to preaching the Word of God and nurturing Christians in their faith.

He said a good preacher should not only proclaim God's message but also serve as a role model whose conduct inspires Christians to follow Christ.

According to Rev. Canon Ntorainwe, effective ministry requires dedication, humility, integrity and faithfulness to God's teachings. He encouraged the clergy to remain focused on their calling and avoid anything that could compromise their witness.

The archdeacon urged them to become good shepherds capable of leading many people to Christ through their ministry and ensuring that Christians grow spiritually.

Rev. Canon Ntorainwe also extended his message to leaders in public service, calling upon them to serve their communities faithfully and shun corruption.

Referring to the slogan "No More Sleep," he urged leaders to remain vigilant, reject bribery and work for the welfare of the people who entrusted them with leadership responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the Woman Member of Parliament for Kabale District, Enid Origumisiriza Atuheire, called upon the newly ordained clergy to support government efforts aimed at fighting poverty by mobilising Christians to participate in development programmes.

Atuheire particularly urged church leaders to encourage believers to embrace the Parish Development Model (PDM), noting that the government is providing financial support to eligible households to improve their livelihoods.

She said the Church occupies a unique position within communities and can play a significant role in educating Christians about government programmes intended to transform household incomes and improve living standards.

The legislator emphasised that, when utilised effectively, the Parish Development Model can help many families escape poverty and contribute to the socio-economic transformation of communities.

She therefore called upon the clergy to work hand in hand with government and local leaders in sensitising communities about the opportunities available under the programme.

The ordination of the 18 deacons and seven priests marks a significant milestone for the Diocese of Kigezi as it continues to strengthen its clergy workforce to support evangelism, discipleship and the spiritual growth of Christians across the region.

The newly ordained clergy now begin a new chapter of ministry with the responsibility of preaching the Gospel, guiding believers, safeguarding Christian values and contributing to the growth of the Church and society.