Church of Uganda praised over first female Provost

Archbishop Stanley Ntagali (center) with Dr Nyegenye and David Serunjogi (right) after the installation. Photo by Godfrey Kimono

Rev. Can. Dr Rebecca Nyegenye, the first female Provost in the Church of Uganda was installed yesterday at a colorful function, at All Saints cathedral Namirembe.

The womenfolk of the church were ecstatic -- to them, the church has finally started recognizing the great role women play in the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

"I want to thank Archbishop Stanley Ntagali that as far Uganda is concerned, he has made history by making a woman head in the church," said Miria Matembe, a woman's right activist.

She, however, said that more needs to be done to have women serve in key positions in church, noting that they are already doing the bulk of the work in the church and should be recognized.

"Jesus himself recognised the important role of women in his ministry. Right from his birth through his death and resurrection, women were key figures in his life. The church cannot continue to underrate women," she said.

David Bahati, the state minister for education described it as a huge break for the women in church but said more should be done to bring more women on board in terms of leadership at church

"We thank His Grace Stanley Ntagali for implementing this move and we hope to see more women at the front," he said.

The historic ceremony, which was presided over by Archbishop of the Ntagali, was graced by notable figures in the country including the former Prime Minister, Amama Mbabazi and his wife Jackie and former Principal Judge James Ogoola. 

Nyegenye was installed alongside her assistant Rev. Captain David Serunjogi.

"I look forward to their ministry as they look to God to guide them," Ntagali said while handing over the instruments of office to the two ministers.

He asked to trust in God in times of difficulty, saying since he is the one who called them to serve him, he will surely deliver them from any bottlenecks the will face in their ministry.

"When he calls you, he equips you and sustains you. He can never leave you," he said.

Nyegenye and her assistant swore the oaths of affirmation, allegiance and Canonical obedience amidst ululation and blowing of vuvuzelas.

"God calls us to serve in different positions for a great purpose. God has called you together to join our team so that we can serve the people who are oppressed, for they need us most," Ntagali remarked while presenting the tools of office to the duo.

Nyegenye, in her remarks, wished her late father, Rev. James Efumbi, whose footsteps she has followed had witnessed her installation.

"It is good to make history, but I pray for grace to sustain it," she said.

Her husband, Wilson Nyegenye, who described her as woman of many successes, said they as family are happy and ready to support her in her journey.

"We have always supported her and now we pray to God that she will foster team spirit and continue seeking advice from her colleagues in church," he said.

Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, Uganda Christian University described Nyegenye as a woman with a golden heart who is loyal to the ministry.

"I mentored her and recruited her as my Assistant Chaplain because of her humility and commitment to ministry. I am optimistic that she will perform well in her new position," he said.