Iganga to get first Anglican bishop

By George Bita                           

IGANGA - The first Anglican bishop of the newly created Central Busoga Diocese (CBD) will be named on August 2, Rt. Rev. Michael Kyomya, the bishop of Busoga diocese, has disclosed.

Kyomya, who is stepping down on January 16 next year, told New Vision that on the same date his successor would be chosen by the house of bishops.

“By July 19, two names would have been chosen in both instances by the electoral college meeting at the diocesan headquarters in Jinja. Those names would then be forwarded to the house of bishops to do the final selection on August 2,” he said.

The CBD, covering the archdeaconries of Iganga, Luuka, Namutumba and Kaliro, was carved out of Busoga diocese last year.

The move to secession was essential in bringing services nearer to the Christians scattered in 10 districts, Kyomya said.

Rt. Rev. Nathan Kyamanywa of Bunyoro diocese hailed the move to divide the diocese, saying his happiness stems from the fact that people of Bunyoro and Busoga share a common ancestry.

“Once all the requirements for having a new diocese are in place, nothing stops Iganga from having a diocese.”

Esther Nandase, treasurer of the Iganga bishop consecration committee, said that the new bishop would be installed on November 1 at All Saints Cathedral in Iganga.

“A 30-member consecration committee has been named with the task of ensuring that the event becomes a success,” she revealed.