Masindi-Kitara Diocese seeks sh600m for new bishop’s consecration

The leadership of Masindi-Kitara Diocese is seeking sh600 million to organise the consecration of its third bishop, Rev. Canon Joshua Kugonza, which is scheduled for August 3, 2025, at St Matthew’s Cathedral, Masindi.

The diocese began the process of selecting a new bishop in October 2024, as Bishop George William Kasangaki prepared to retire in August 2025, having reached the mandatory retirement age.

A 15-member nomination committee, chaired by diocesan chancellor George Kunihira, was tasked with vetting candidates for the position. Following a thorough selection process, Rev. Canon Kugonza emerged as the chosen leader to guide the diocese into its next chapter.

On March 29, 2025, the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda elected Rev. Canon Kugonza, who currently serves as diocesan secretary, as the successor to Bishop Kasangaki, who will leave office on August 3 this year.

According to Sam Ayebale Peter, chairperson of the farewell, consecration and enthronement committee tasked with organising the event, the committee began its work last year after Bishop Kasangaki’s retirement was formally announced to the diocesan synod.

He told New Vision that the committee—comprising lay canons, key figures within the church, the Bishop’s advisors, and other notable individuals—was charged with mobilising funds to ensure a colourful ceremony.

“The committee’s first meeting produced a budget of sh602 million, which was launched on September 24, 2024. Modalities on how the money would be raised were agreed upon. We expect contributions from parishes and archdeaconries within the diocese, Members of Parliament, and educational institutions founded by the Church of Uganda, among others,” he said.

He added that the money collected is being deposited into a separate account—1028203265343—in the name of “Bishop’s Farewell, Consecration and Enthronement” at Equity Bank.

“We request the government, under the leadership of Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, to support the ceremony as he has always done. My appeal to the public is to support the new bishop and work as a team as we raise the funds,” he said, adding that the Kampala chapter, under Eng. Joseph Wembabazi, should also contribute sh98 million.
He further noted that the organising committee has so far raised Sh100 million.

Who is Kugonza?

Born on October 7, 1976, in Kiryandongo district, Rev. Canon Kugonza gave his life to Christ on September 13, 1989, at Alwala Church of Uganda in Apac district, West Lango Diocese.

His ministerial journey 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 together they have four children.

He has served as diocesan secretary of Masindi-Kitara Diocese since 2021. His previous roles include parish priest, project officer with Samaritan’s Purse, and 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 National Teachers’ College, Ngetta in Lira district, along with several other professional qualifications.