Bishop Asiimwe makes new clergy transfers in North Kigezi

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In Uganda's southwestern district of Rukungiri, Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe, has made a raft of reforms in the North Kigezi Diocese clergy, including promotions.

While four parish priests have been elevated to archdeacon level (senior priests), ten priests — including three archdeacons — have been retired from active service.

In Uganda's Anglican church, each of its 37 dioceses is headed by a bishop.

Each diocese is divided into archdeaconries, each of which is headed by an archdeacon.

Each archdeaconry is divided into parishes — each headed by a parish priest — while the parishes, divided into sub-parishes, are headed by lay readers.

North Kigezi, which covers the administrative district of Rukungiri, has 13 archdeaconries, 80 parishes and 220 sub-parishes, according to its official website.

In the latest changes announced on Friday, Bishop Asiimwe has promoted:

• Rev. Erasmus Barangirana (from Nyamabare parish to Bugangari Archdeaconry)
• Rev. Ronald Natuhwera (from development office to Nyakagyeme Archdeaconry)
• Rev. Andrew Kananura (from Bishop's Office as youth coordinator to Kakinga Archdeaconry)
• Rev. Edson Ahimbisibwe (from Rumbugu parish to Kashenyi Archdeaconry).

The bishop has also retired Archdeacons Eldard Kashanje (of Nyakagyeme Archdeaconry), Elias Mbangi (of Bugangari Archdeaconry) and Rev. James Busingye (of Kashenyi Archdeaconry).

He said each of the three — retired due to old age — has received a farewell package of sh5m to buy themselves a cow for milk supply during their pension.

Each of the seven parish priests who have been retired has received sh2m, said Asiimwe.

The other transfers

• Rev. Edward Nabaasa: from Kagati Parish to Nyabushenyi Parish
• Rev. Elasto Kyomukama: from Nyabushenyi Parish to Katonya Parish
• Rev. Eliasaph Kamugisha: from Katonyanya Parish to Kihanga Parish
• Rev. Moses Akampa: from Kihanga Parish to Nangala Parish
• Rev. John Muhwezi: from Rwakirungura Parish to Rubanga
• Rev. Elick Sabiti: from Rwerere Parish to Kakirago Parish
• Rev. Elias Niwagaba: from Emmanuel Cathedral as curate to Rwerere Parish
• Rev. Apophia Nsiimire: from Rukungiri Technical Institute to Emmanuel Cathedral as curate and chaplain for Kinyasano Boarding Primary School
• Rev. Moses Kansiime: from Emmanuel Cathedral as vicar to Rumbugu Parish as priest
• Rev. Edson Ampaire: from Bishop’s Office as diocesan missions coordinator to Kyatoko Parish as Priest
• Rev. Amos Musinguzi: from Nyamifura Parish to All Saints Church as Vicar.
• Rev. Arthur Omara from Kuyabugashe Parish to Nyamifura Parish
• Rev. Fred Tumwesigye: from Kyatoko Parish to Kibizi Parish
• Rev. Fred Kweringa: from Kyamurari Parish to Kitunguru Parish
• Rev. Benon Besigye: from Kitunguru Parish to Kyamurari Parish
• Rev. Deacon Moses Tugume: to All Saints Church Rukungiri as curate
• Rev. Obed Tumwebaze: from Munyeganyegye Parish to Nyakinengo Parish
• Rev. Stanley Atukunda: from Nyakinengo Parish to Kigaga Parish
• Rev. George Kahanyure: from Kigaga Parish to Kyaruyenje Parish
• Rev. Arthur Agaba: from Kyamakanda Parish to Nyabitete Parish as curate and chaplain for Nyabitete Secondary School
• Rev. Benard Akankiza: from Nyakabungo Parish to Kitazigurukwa Parish
• Rev. Gershom Muhumuza: from Kitazigurukwa Parish to Nyamabare Parish
• Rev. David Owokwesigire: from Bugangari Archdeaconry to Kariire Parish
• Rev. Kasigazi Alfred: from Rwenshama Parish to Nyakabungo Parish
• Rev. Joushua Aryanga: from Ndago Parish to Rwenshama Parish
• Rev. Faith Ampumuza: from Bwanga Parish to Ndago Parish
• Rev. Medius Twinomugisha: from Bugarama Church of Uganda to Bugangari Parish as curate and chaplain for Bugangari Secondary School
• Rev. Patson Amanya: from Rubirizi Parish to Kibare Parish
• Rev. Alfred Murangira: from All Saints Church to Mashongora Parish in Kyabugashe Archdeaconry to start a new parish
• Rev. Nshabaruhanga Munturivu: from Canon Ndimbiirwe Bible College to Bishop’s Office as diocesan education secretary
• Rev. Benson Amanya will serve as chaplain at Makobore High School and as diocesan youth coordinator.
• Alex Mugabe appointed as diocesan estates manager and development officer
• Ven. Amos Katushabe: from Kakinga to start the new archdeacon of Kyabugashe Archdeaconry

Meanwhile, amid the changes, Rev. Frank Kiconco retains his role as Bishop’s Chaplain and Cathedral Vicar.

Rev. Julius Niwagaba remains at Besania Prayer Mountain, also serving as diocesan missions' coordinator.