Rev. Charles Okunya Oode elected Bishop of Kumi Diocese

RELIGION       CHURCH OF UGANDA

KAMPALA - The long-awaited process has finally come to an end with the election of Rev. Charles Okunya Oode as the second Bishop of Kumi Diocese.

He was elected by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda at Namirembe Guest House, in Kampala on November 07, 2019.

According to Rev. Canon Captain William Ongenge, the provincial secretary, three names were presented to the House of Bishops and Rev. Okunya emerged the winner after a thorough scrutiny of his CV.

Rev. Capt. Moses Okello, the current diocesan secretary of Kumi came second.

Rev. Okunya will succeed in the current Bishop, Rt. Rev. Thomas Edison Irigei, who will retire at the end of 2019 after reaching the Church's mandatory retirement age of 65.

He will be consecrated as Bishop on December 29, 2019, at St. Philip's Cathedral, Ngora.

Dr. John Ekure, the chairperson organizing committee for the consecration ceremony of the new bishop says preparations are in high gear.

"We thank God for the new bishop. We have had a series of meetings and all is set for his consecration," he said.

Rev. Okunya thanked God for what He has done for him. "This is not my victory; it is for God and his people. I am ready to work with all people to propel the word of God," he said adding: "Ebenezer! God's grace has been sufficient. I stand in faith, hope, prayer and letting the will of God to take control of everything."

Who is Okunya?

Rev. Okunya was born on November 23, 1970, to Elimelech and Ruth Oode in Aterai ward, South division, Kumi Municipality in Kumi district.

He holds a Master of Management Studies degree from Uganda Management Institute, and a Bachelor of Divinity from Uganda Christian University.

He originally trained as a teacher and holds a diploma in secondary education from the National Teachers' College, Ngetta. He has also attended many courses, training, and workshops.

The Bishop-elect was raised in a Christian home but he made the decision to accept Jesus Christ in 1991.  He later backslid because of bad peer influence in 1999, but he later renewed his walk with the Lord.

Rev. Okunya was ordained a deacon in 2006 and a priest in 2007. He has served in many capacities from theological education and higher education to diocesan staff and parish priest. 

He worked as the principal of Bishop Tomusange Theological College, lectured at Kumi University, served as a school chaplain and teacher at Mukura Memorial SS.

Rev. Okunya also worked as the diocesan mission coordinator as well as a parish priest and many other positions till his election.

Rev. Okunya married Christine Kedi on February 13, 2010, and God has blessed them abundantly.