Over 100 prisoners confirmed into Anglican church

MBARARA - The bishop of Ankole diocese, Rt Rev.Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, on Thursday, confirmed 103 inmates in the Anglican faith at Mbarara Main Prison.

The inmates were from Mbarara Main Prison, Kakiika Prison and Mbarara Women’s Prison.  

Authorities reported that the three prisons provide not only vocational and educational opportunities but also a pathway towards redemption and personal growth through religious programs and activities.

 Inmates praising God. (All Photos by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

In his sermon, Bishop Mwesigwa asked inmates never to lose hope but remain strong as Jesus was, telling them that there are people who were once like them, with some on death penalty, but have since been pardoned. 

Without naming them, he said some are now serving in big positions in government.
Mwesigwa encouraged the prisoners to open their hearts to the many opportunities that lie ahead and be focused on positive change for a bright future.

The bishop called for the need to fight corruption, noting that some people are victims of corruption, thereby ending up in prison.

Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa delivering a word of God to inmates.

Samson Nuwatuh, on behalf of inmates, thanked the diocese for supporting prisoners spiritually but called for more support to implement their projects, including faith-based projects.

Prison officials thanked the Commissioner General of Prisons for the continued strategic guidance and support of spiritual activities.

According to a report read at the ceremony, the three prisons have a total of 2896 prisoners, 67 judgment debtors and 9 babies as of April 17, 2025.

A joyful inmate praising God.

Some of the challenges raised include overstaying on remand, and prison officials called for more sessions to be organised as these will help address the problem of congestion in prisons.

Patrick Atuhaire, the Archdeacon All Saints Church, thanked the diocese for the spiritual support to prisons in the diocese.