By Flavia Ajok
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has called on the government to immediately release the youth arrested for protesting against corruption in the country. Presiding over the consecration of the new Bishop of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese, Rev Canon Jacob Ateirweho, at St. Peter’s Cathedral Duhaga in Hoima city on Sunday, Kaziimba noted that some of the arrested youths are still detained. He appealed to the government to consider their concerns and engage in dialogue with them.
Kaziimba also urged church leaders at all levels to join the fight against corruption, which he says has tarnished the country’s image. He emphasized that combating corruption is a collective responsibility, and church leaders should use all available platforms to preach against it and highlight its negative impacts on national development.
He praised the leaders in the Bunyoro sub-region for their support of the church, creating an environment conducive to spreading the gospel. Kaziimba encouraged them to continue working together and support the newly consecrated Bishop to ensure smooth governance of the diocese.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, President Yoweri Museveni commended Bunyoro Kitara Diocese for collaborating with the government to advance Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. He highlighted the church’s role not only in spiritual matters but also as a catalyst for development. The President noted that the church’s involvement in projects such as schools, health facilities, and farms has directly benefited society by creating jobs and improving household incomes, thus reducing poverty levels.
Museveni urged Ugandans to continue working hard to lift their families out of poverty by participating in government programs aimed at prosperity and skills development for the youth. He remarked that Uganda’s economy has been transformed to the point of becoming self-sufficient, with ongoing developments in manufacturing, telecom, construction, medical, and education sectors.
The President also encouraged the believers of Bunyoro-Kitara and other regional leaders to support the new Bishop in fulfilling his duties. Bishop Jacob Ateirweho, in his inaugural speech, outlined key priorities, including protecting church land, some of which has been grabbed or is at risk of encroachment. He requested government assistance in securing land titles, noting that much of the church land remains untitled, posing a significant risk.
Ateirweho also committed to improving the welfare of church ministers, both in service and after retirement. He acknowledged the current challenges faced by ministers, including inadequate housing, lack of transport, and difficulty in affording education for their children.
He pledged to mobilize Christians to embrace government programs aimed at eradicating poverty and boosting household incomes.
Rev. Canon Jacob Ateirweho, consecrated and enthroned as the 6th Bishop of the Diocese, was elected by the House of Bishops on April 17, 2024. Born on August 24, 1968, in Hoima Hospital, Ateirweho accepted Jesus Christ as his savior on April 5, 1991, and was ordained Deacon on February 5, 2006. He succeeds Bishop Samuel Kahuma, who has retired at the mandatory age of 65 years.
