President Museveni bids farewell to Kenya’s Bishop Okude of Katakwa Diocese

KATAKWA - President Yoweri Museveni has bid farewell to Rt. Rev. Dr. John Okude Omuse, the Outgoing Bishop of Katakwa Anglican Diocese in Kenya.

Hundreds of Christians from all walks of life gathered at St. John's Cathedral, Katakwa, to see off Bishop Okude, who has retired after nine years of faithful service to the Church. 

Okude, 65, was consecrated and enthroned as the 3rd Bishop of Katakwa Diocese on August 28th, 2016. He took over from the Rt. Rev. Dr. Zack Epus, who had clocked the mandatory 65 years according to the Anglican Church of Kenya.

The send-off ceremony was witnessed by many dignitaries from both Kenya and Uganda, including the Vice President, Maj. Jessica Alupo, accompanied by Minister Hellen Grace Asamo and Members of Parliament from Teso Sub-Regions.

In a message delivered by Vice President Alupo, who doubles as the Woman MP for Katakwi district, President Museveni said Bishop Okude's ministry has been a blessing to many people, not only in Kenya, but across East Africa, Africa, and the world. (All Photos by VP press)

The Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot was also in attendance.

It commenced with a thanksgiving and retirement Service presided over by the Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit, the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, the Bishop of All Saints Cathedral Diocese, and Bishop in Ordinary to the Defence Forces.

In a message delivered by Vice President Alupo, who doubles as the Woman MP for Katakwi district, President Museveni said Bishop Okude's ministry has been a blessing to many people, not only in Kenya, but across East Africa, Africa, and the world.
 
"I, therefore, want to thank God for keeping Bishop John Okude in good health, both physically and spiritually," he said.

He further thanked the man of God for serving God’s people and the Church with dedication, compassion, and loyalty. 

Bishop Okude will next February 28th 2026, hand over office to the next Bishop yet to be elected in the next five months.

In the same vein, Museveni appreciated all the Christian faithful for rendering material and spiritual support to the Bishop, which has enabled him to fulfil his duties. 

He lauded the organisers of the Bishop’s farewell for inviting their Ugandan brothers and sisters to attend this function.

"This is proof of your commitment to maintaining the fraternal ties among our peoples, who are connected by history and language," he said. 

Bishop Okude will next February 28th 2026, hand over office to the next Bishop yet to be elected in the next five months.

Okude was made a deacon on December 19th, 1991, and ordained a priest in December 1992. He served as a deacon for one year and a priest for one year. 

He also served as Archbishop for 22 years before being elected as the 3rd Bishop of ACK Katakwa.

During his reign, Katakwa has witnessed an upscale of development, economically, socially, and spiritually.

Spiritually, the diocese has seen 36 clergy being ordained and 1900 mothers being enrolled in the mothers' union, and 1500 men into the KAMA.

Additionally, 20,000 candidates have been confirmed, 32 churches have had their foundation stones laid, 26 modern churches consecrated, and vicarages opened, among other achievements.

Retired bishop Epus pledged to continue praying for the retired bishop just like he did while he handed over pastoral staff nine years ago.

The Governor of Busia County, Paul Otuoma, lauded the retiring bishop for leading the Interfaith agenda, which promoted unity and togetherness among denominations. He described his relationship with bishop as cordial, which has facilitated the growth and development of the grassroots people.

He thanked the President for the prevailing peace and security.

Arthur Osia, the Private Principal Secretary to Kenyan President Ruto, said Okude has been a very courageous and consistent bishop who has been everything, everywhere and every time. "He has worked extremely well with the national government, and we shall continue engaging with him," he said.

Oku Kaunya, the MP for Teso North Constituency and Spokesman for Teso People in Kenya, said Okude believed in reconciliation and forgiveness. He wished President Museveni success in the coming general elections.

MP for Teso South Constituency in Busia County, Mary Otucho, said bishop Okude is a true definition of hard work.

"In the nine years of service, he has inspired and strengthened many Christians. Let your retirement be characterised with love, laughter, and peace," she said.

She asked Christians to continue praying for political leaders and also prayed for Uganda, especially President Yoweri Museveni, to win these elections.

Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot, the cultural leader of the Iteso, called for unity among the Iteso people in both Kenya and Uganda.