South Ankole diocese marks 7th anniversary

South Ankole diocese on Sunday marked seven years since its inception with the first Bishop of the diocese Rt Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe boasting of great valedictory and becoming a diocese that glorifies God.

In his sermon, Ahimbisibwe commended Christians and stakeholders of the diocese for their cooperation in the developments at Kyamate Hill since the diocese was born on January 8, 2012.

The diocese was carved out of west and greater Ankole dioceses and Ahimbisibwe was consecrated by the then Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Henry Luke Orombi at St Mathew Cathedral, Kyamate in Ntungamo Municipality, Ntungamo district, where the headquarters still remain.

Ahimbisibwe said there were many achievements, mainly in preaching the word of God, with key developments made in sensitising people on wealth creation and improved household income.

"I thank God for the seven years of achievements made. Seven years of the gospel, seven years of working without compromise and also seven years of faith. We shall not go back; God shall multiply our possessions and expand our boundaries. What you need to do is to keep what you have been taught" he said.

Ahimbisibwe also disclosed that the diocese is in the final stages of establishing a mission hospital which they have already started constructing, a milling centre for maize to be packed at Kyamate Hill, further sensitisation of communities on improved sanitation and household incomes, improvement on education as well as preaching the word of God.

The diocese currently has 53 parishes and 9 archdeaconries and over 200 churches.  

Speaking at the function, the diocesan chancellor and former Kajara County MP Stephen Tashobya, called for increased unity and development partnership between the church and the government.

Tashobya who is a one of the commissioners of the Electoral Commission, thanked the synod that recently re-elected him for the post of the diocesan chancellor and Justus Karuhanga as his vice.  He promised to continue serving the diocese effectively.  

The Ntungamo resident district commissioner George Bakunda said the government is trying hard to eliminate barriers in development such as idleness, time wastage and criminality which the church has been fighting alone as immorality.