By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
RUKUNGIRI
On January 3, 2025, the Diocesan Council of Kinkizi Diocese held a significant meeting at the Ngoto Island Tourism Hub.
Led by Rt. Rev. Dan Zoreka, Bishop of the Diocese, the meeting aimed to strengthen leadership within the diocese and provide updates on the ongoing University Project.
Several leadership appointments and clergy transfers were announced to support the diocese’s spiritual and administrative functions. Among the key administrative appointments were Rev. Can. Enos Mukombe, who was named the bishop’s commissary, and Rev. Can. Johnson Turyagyenda, who was appointed the Fathers’ Union Coordinator. Mr. Solomon Mfitumukiza will serve as the Assistant Missions and Evangelism Coordinator, while Rev. Elizabeth Akandinda Kamara has been appointed as the new hospital chaplain and Human Resource Manager for Bwindi Community Hospital.
In a move to strengthen the diocese’s projects, several clergy members were reassigned to new parishes. Among them, Rev. Can. Patrick Habasa will serve as Archdeacon for Nyakinoni, Rev. Boaz Turyatunga will be the Parish Priest for Kangarame in addition to his role as Diocesan Planning and Development Officer, and Rev. Ezra will transition from Kangarame to Kishenyi COU. Other parishes receiving new clergy members include Kinyangwe, Bugiri, Bukunga, Ntungwa, Kajugangoma, Rukarara, St. Andrews Kihiihi, and the newly established Rwangoboka COU.
Additional appointments include Rev. Saasi Benjamin as the Diocesan Investment Officer, Rev. Ntampanvu Senior as the Parish Priest for Kibimbiri COU Parish, Rev. Can. Lawrence Birohizo as Archdeacon for Nyamirama, and Rev. Can. Levi Turinawe as Archdeacon for All Saints Church-Kanungu. Rev. Prisca Karuru will continue serving at Karangara Parish, and Rev. John Bashemeire (Kukyindama) will remain at his current parish. Missioner Godfrey Byamukama will also take on responsibilities with Nyamirengyere Parish, while Rev. Lowland Akampurira has been appointed Chaplain for Nyakabungo Girls SS alongside his role as diocesan cashier.
Bishop Zoreka announced that the newly appointed clergy would begin collecting their appointment letters on January 7, 2025, with official handovers set for January 9, 2025. Clergy members will relocate to their new assignments by January 10, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their ministries.
The Synod meeting also provided updates on the progress of the African University of Science and Management (AUSM), a joint initiative by the diocese in partnership with Bwindi Community Hospital, Uganda Nursing School – Bwindi, and Uganda Institute of Health Sciences – Bwindi. The project aims to enhance education and healthcare services in the region.
Bishop Dan Zoreka emphasized the importance of unity within the Diocese. He called on both clergy and laity to work together in service, highlighting collaboration as key to achieving the Diocese’s mission of spiritual growth and community development.
