BISHOP | RUKIRANDE | CHRISTIANS  

KABALE - On his 90th birthday, the retired bishop of Kigezi, the Right Rev. William Rukirande is fundraising money from Christians to enable him build a new church at his home village in Rubira, Kabale district.

Rukirande on Saturday, July 01, 2022 clocked 90 years, having been born in 1932 and worked for the diocese until he went into full retirement in 2007 after serving as caretaker bishop of Muhabura diocese.

The Right Rev. William Rukirande is fundraising money from Christians to enable him build a new church at his home village in Rubira, Kabale district. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)

The function started with service led by the current bishop, Gaddie Akanjuna and was attended by his predecessor, George Bagamuhunda and Enock Kayeye, bishop emeritus of North Kivu diocese in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

David Bahati, state minister for industry was the guest of honour and represented the government at the function. 

David Bahati (L), the state minister for industry interacts with 90-year-old former Bishop of Kigezi, William Rukirande at a thanksgiving ceremony at St. Peter's Cathedral Rugarama in Kabale where the bishop celebrated his birthday.

Bahati contributed sh5m towards the new Church, after buying a calf, which he donated to bishop Akanjuna. 

Bahati also mobilized Christians to contribute money, raising over sh9.5m. Bishop Rukirande served twice as an assistant bishop and later as full bishop of Kigezi diocese between 1989 and 1997. 

Rukirande and his wife Winnie at a thanksgiving ceremony.

He spent five years in retirement but was called back to serve as caretaker bishop of Muhabura diocese for three years. 

He also served as director of Solar Light for Africa until he went into full retirement in 2016. 

At 90, bishop Rukirande thanked the Lord for good health but said he wants to build a Church as a gift to the Christians near his home. 

Bishop Gaddie Akanjuna of Kigezi diocese preaches during service.

He was franked by his wife, Winne and children, including Captain Patrick Rwomushana, Rachel Ivy Rukirande, Pauline Rukirande and grandchildren. Bahati applauded Rukirande whom he described as a legend and a strong man of God. 

He said Rukirande contributed a lot to the development and transformation of the area. 

Bahati said he grew up as an orphan and he will live to remember Rukirande for his contribution to him. 

He also commended him for having been keen on talking about the danger of HIV/Aids and one time while speaking at Kigezi High School assembly, the bishop told students that HIV/Aids had no cure and warned them against sex. 

"I took his message seriously and I avoided sex until I completed my studies," Bahati said. 

The function was attended by Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, an academician and international consultant.

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