First Bishop of East Rwenzori diocese to transform community
Aug 19, 2009
Rev. Edward Bamucwanira was consecrated as the first bishop of the newly created diocese of East Rwenzori in Kamwenge district on August 9.
By Hope Mafaranga
Rev. Edward Bamucwanira was consecrated as the first bishop of the newly created diocese of East Rwenzori in Kamwenge district on August 9.
Born on January 5, 1956 in Kabale district, Rev. Bamucwanira joined the faith in 1974 while in Senior Five at Old Kampala Secondary School.
His late father Sedrach Bamucwanira, a catechist was his role model and the reason he chose to follow in his footsteps.
“I admired the way my father carried out church work and was inspired to be like him,†he proudly says.
As a shy young person, Bamucwanira never kept bad company. He recalls escaping from home and spending the day at church.
He has been in-charge of nine parishes of Kamwenge, Rukunyu, Nkongoro, Kabuga, Damasiko, Mirambi, Rwenjaza, Nyamashegwa and Kyabandara.
“It’s a big challenge that I am now in charge of 33 parishes, but God will guide me,†he says.
He hopes to safeguard the family unit and encourage morality by working with the community.
Although East Ruwenzori Diocese has limited infrastructure and finances, the bishop plans to start church projects like schools and hospitals to improve on the people’s livelihoods.
Bamucwanira says the youth are running away to Pentecostal churches due to lack of energetic worship and praise.
He says there is need to re-evaluate worship as a way of addressing the reducing congregation in churches.
In addition to his pastoral duties, he hopes to advocate for girl child education and address HIV/AIDS among the youth.
Anne Bamucwanira, his wife since 1983, attributes her husband’s success to God.
“God has been using us and we pray that He continues to use and guide us,†she says with a smile. The couple has six children.
East Ruwenzori is the 33rd diocese in the province of the Church Of Uganda. Bamucwanira says he enjoyed the nine years he served in Kamwenge as Archdeacon.
Fact File
- 2009: Elected bishop
- 2005 : Canonised
- 2003: Dean
- 1996-2002: Vicar
- I991: Archdeacon
- 1986: Degree from Bishop Tucker Theological College
- 1981: Became priest
- 1980:Ordained Deacon
Rev. Edward Bamucwanira was consecrated as the first bishop of the newly created diocese of East Rwenzori in Kamwenge district on August 9.
Born on January 5, 1956 in Kabale district, Rev. Bamucwanira joined the faith in 1974 while in Senior Five at Old Kampala Secondary School.
His late father Sedrach Bamucwanira, a catechist was his role model and the reason he chose to follow in his footsteps.
“I admired the way my father carried out church work and was inspired to be like him,†he proudly says.
As a shy young person, Bamucwanira never kept bad company. He recalls escaping from home and spending the day at church.
He has been in-charge of nine parishes of Kamwenge, Rukunyu, Nkongoro, Kabuga, Damasiko, Mirambi, Rwenjaza, Nyamashegwa and Kyabandara.
“It’s a big challenge that I am now in charge of 33 parishes, but God will guide me,†he says.
He hopes to safeguard the family unit and encourage morality by working with the community.
Although East Ruwenzori Diocese has limited infrastructure and finances, the bishop plans to start church projects like schools and hospitals to improve on the people’s livelihoods.
Bamucwanira says the youth are running away to Pentecostal churches due to lack of energetic worship and praise.
He says there is need to re-evaluate worship as a way of addressing the reducing congregation in churches.
In addition to his pastoral duties, he hopes to advocate for girl child education and address HIV/AIDS among the youth.
Anne Bamucwanira, his wife since 1983, attributes her husband’s success to God.
“God has been using us and we pray that He continues to use and guide us,†she says with a smile. The couple has six children.
East Ruwenzori is the 33rd diocese in the province of the Church Of Uganda. Bamucwanira says he enjoyed the nine years he served in Kamwenge as Archdeacon.
Fact File
- 2009: Elected bishop
- 2005 : Canonised
- 2003: Dean
- 1996-2002: Vicar
- I991: Archdeacon
- 1986: Degree from Bishop Tucker Theological College
- 1981: Became priest
- 1980:Ordained Deacon