Prisons chief Byabashaija elected North Kigezi Diocese head of laity

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Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr Canon Johnson Byabashaija, has been elected head of laity of North Kigezi Diocese, Kinyasano.

Canon Byabashaija was elected on March 21, 2026, during a two-day 22nd synod meeting held at Emmanuel Cathedral, Kinyasano. He replaces Abel Turyabe, who led the Christians for only one term of two years.

Canon Sabiti Mahirane was the first head of laity after the Diocese of Kinkiizi was carved out of North Kigezi in 1996. Canon Dr Johnson Byabashaija is the third head of laity of North Kigezi Diocese.

Bishop Onesmus Asiimwe presided over the synod, which is his second since he was consecrated bishop of North Kigezi three years ago.

Bishop Asiimwe announced several changes in the administrative hierarchy of the church, saying they are aimed at strengthening the word of God and the development of the diocese.

"The changes we are having today are not aiming at hurting anybody, but to strengthen the word of God and for the development of our diocese. I urge all of you to welcome the changes," Bishop Asiimwe said.

Bishop Asiimwe appointed former Archdeacon of Rujumbura, retired Rev. Canon Elisha Waswa, as the bishop's commissary, replacing Rev. Nathan Kirebeta. The bishop's commissary is a position normally held by retired clergy to assist the bishop in pastoral work, apart from confirming Christians, which can only be done by the bishop.

Rev. Canon Joran Atusinguza, the Archdeacon of Rubirizi Archdeaconry in Nyarushanje subcounty, was elected head of the House of Clergy, replacing Rev. Polycarp Katwesigye of Kyamakanda, who served for one term of two years.

The meeting also elected the Synod Standing Committee, members of the Nomination Committee, Provincial Assembly delegates, and Diocesan Board members.

The bishop also asked members to approve Canon Agaba Maguru as diocesan chancellor and counsel Isaac Atukunda as diocesan deputy vice chancellor, which they accepted.

Additionally, three churches, St James Nyamizi COU, St James Nyaburondo COU, and St John’s Katungu COU, were granted parish status following earlier approval by the Diocesan Council last year.

North Kigezi Diocese now has 87 parishes after confirming three more, 14 archdeaconries, and 214 sub-parishes.

North Kigezi Diocese was carved out of Kigezi Diocese, Kabale, in 1981 under the late Bishop Emeritus Yostus Ruhindi. He was followed by the late Bishop Emeritus Wilson Kahigwa, Bishop Edward Muhima, Bishop Tugume Tusingwaire, the late Bishop Benon Magezi, and the current Bishop Onesmus Asiimwe.