Masindi-Kitara Diocese gives bishop-elect Kugonza a hero’s welcome
Believers first assembled at St Matthew’s Cathedral in Masindi town around 2pm before setting off for Kafu Junction to receive the bishop-elect.
Rev. Canon Joshua Kugonza, the bishop-elect of the diocese waving at people in Masindi Town. (Photos by Innocent Atuganyira)
Innocent Atuganyira
Journalist @New Vision
________________
Christians and religious leaders from Masindi-Kitara Diocese on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, gathered at Kafu Junction in Kimengo sub-county, Buruli County, Masindi district to welcome Rev. Canon Joshua Kugonza, the bishop-elect of the diocese.
Believers first assembled at St Matthew’s Cathedral in Masindi town around 2pm before setting off for Kafu Junction to receive the bishop-elect.
At 4pm, they led a procession through Masindi town to Kijura trading centre, culminating in a service at St Matthew’s Cathedral at 5pm.
While preaching, Rt. Rev. George William Kasangaki, the Bishop of Masindi-Kitara Diocese, expressed gratitude for the successful election process.
"We thank God that the election process has been successful and peaceful, just as He did wonders for the children of Israel," he said.
Bishop Kasangaki urged religious leaders and Christians to support and work with the bishop-elect, emphasising that leadership is divinely ordained.
"Many Christians were asking me who the next Bishop would be. The election process follows several stages: first, the synod proposes names, which are then submitted to the nominating committee. The vetting committee takes over and forwards the names to the House of Bishops, which elects the Bishop," he explained, adding that not being selected does not mean other candidates were unworthy.
He called on the church to pray for and support the bishop-elect, ensuring the continuation of church projects, including construction efforts. "Please pray for, support, and work closely with the bishop-elect for the development of our diocese," he urged.
Kugonza pledges commitment
Addressing the congregation, Rev. Canon Joshua Kugonza pledged to collaborate with church leaders to foster growth.
Rev. Canon Joshua Kugonza, the bishop-elect of the diocese entering in the Church
"It has been God. He has answered our prayers. In January, some Christians approached me to begin fasting and praying, but I declined. However, my daughter, who is in Primary Four, started fasting and praying every Thursday from January until now," he revealed.
His wife, Proscovia Allen Kugonza, echoed his sentiments, acknowledging the challenges they faced. "It has been God. Thank you for praying for us to reach this milestone. It has not been easy," she told the congregation.
Masindi-Kitara Diocese began the process of selecting a new bishop in October 2024 as Bishop George William Kasangaki prepares to retire in August 2025 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age.
A 15-member nomination committee, chaired by diocesan chancellor George Kunihira, was tasked with vetting candidates. After a rigorous selection process, Rev. Canon Kugonza was chosen to lead the diocese into its next chapter.
Christians welcome election
Christians from Masindi-Kitara Diocese have embraced Rev. Canon Joshua Kugonza’s election as the diocese’s third bishop.
The House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda elected Rev. Canon Kugonza, who currently serves as the Diocesan secretary, to succeed Bishop Kasangaki, who will retire on August 3, 2025.
Milton Mirimo, the chairperson of the laity in the diocese, expressed gratitude for the smooth and peaceful election process.
"We thank God for enabling the smooth and peaceful election of our new bishop. I’m sure he will ably lead the diocese since he has the required expertise," he said.
Earnest Kiiza, chairperson of the laity in Masindi Deanery, also welcomed Kugonza’s election, expressing confidence in his leadership abilities.
"I’m confident Kugonza will lead the diocese with integrity due to his experience in church leadership and his social nature," he stated.
ASP Solomon Mugisa, the community liaison officer for Hima Police Division and a church leader at St Matthew's Cathedral, also believes Kugonza’s experience will be instrumental in leading the diocese effectively.
Who is Rev. Canon Kugonza?
The House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda, meeting at Zebra Hotel in Masaka city on March 30, 2025, elected Rev. Canon Kugonza as the third bishop of Masindi-Kitara Diocese.
He will be consecrated and enthroned as bishop on August 3, 2025, at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, Masindi.
Born on October 7, 1976, in Kiryandongo district, Rev. Canon Kugonza committed his life to Christ on September 13, 1989, at Alwala Church of Uganda in Apac district, West Lango Diocese.
His ministry began with his ordination as a deacon on January 3, 2010, followed by his priesting on December 14, 2010, at St Matthew’s Cathedral, Masindi. He was later elevated to the office of Canon at the same cathedral.
Rev. Canon Kugonza is married to Proscovia Allen Kugonza, and they have four children.
Since 2021, he has served as the diocesan secretary of Masindi-Kitara Diocese. His previous roles include parish priest, project officer with Samaritan’s Purse, headteacher, and teacher at Kigumba Intensive Primary School.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Divinity from Uganda Christian University and a Diploma in Education from the National Teachers’ College in Ngetta, Lira district, along with several other professional qualifications.