Kaziimba Mugalu together with Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe takes a picture with the Clergy at St Mathew Cathedral Kyamate
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NTUNGAMO- The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda The Most Rev Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu has paid glowing tribute to Bishop Ahimbisibwe of the Diocese of South Ankole for transforming the Diocese into a model of growth and sustainability to the extent that it is now recognized internationally for its agricultural projects and mission work.

The Archbishop remarks were made January 19th 2025 during the 13th anniversary and thanksgiving service held at St Matthew’s Cathedral, Kyamate.

During the event Bishop Ahimbisibwe outlined the Diocese’s progress from 8th January 2012 when the South Ankole Diocese was officially inaugurated by the then Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi and the then Rev Canon Nathan Ahimbisibwe, a Canon of St Peter’s Cathedral, Bweranyangi who was then the Chaplain of St James Chapel, Makerere University Business School was consecrated and enthroned as the first Bishop.

According to Bishop Ahimbisibwe, the South Ankole Diocese now has 13 Archdeaconries, 67 Parishes, and 283 Sub-Parishes and has also implemented several self-sustainability projects to ensure long-term growth.

“As part of our sustainability plan, we have invested heavily in coffee growing and have 23 acres of coffee in Kyamate, and each Archdeaconry has at least 5 acres of coffee. Our coffee factory will soon be operational with a coffee huller and wet mill machines,” The Bishop explained.

The Bishop commended the government for establishing a 20-acre solar-powered micro-irrigation system on Kyamate Hill, the Diocesan headquarters which he said has become an economic game changer in agriculture.

The Diocese has additionally completed a Mothers’ Union Resource Centre with 30 self-contained rooms and is constructing a multipurpose complex and other facilities to generate revenue.

“Our mission goes beyond physical development. We remain focused on evangelism to grow God’s kingdom, alongside initiatives in health care and education to improve the lives of our communities,” Bishop Ahimbisibwe emphasized.

The Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu, who presided over the celebrations  commended Bishop Ahimbisibwe for his dedication and visionary leadership.

“I am impressed by the projects I have toured. Bishop Ahimbisibwe has ensured the Diocese is self-reliant through initiatives like coffee, bananas, Hass avocados, apiary, cattle farming, commercial buildings and many other ventures. His commitment to preaching the gospel is also evident,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.

As part of his pastoral visit, the Archbishop toured Inspire Africa Coffee Park in Rwashamire, Ntungamo District and urged other Dioceses to utilize idle land for productive ventures to protect it from land grabbers.

He also laid a foundation stone for the construction of St Mark’s Kitunga Church of Uganda Archdeaconry Church and according to the Archdeaconry and Diocesan Head of Laity, Dr Bildard Baguma, the magnificent Sanctuary will be the pride of God in Kajara and inaugurated St Peter’s Kibingo Church of Uganda in Nyakyera Archdeaconry, which recently attained Parish status.

Before presiding over the 13th anniversary celebrations at St Matthew’s Cathedral Kyamate today morning, he had a radio talk show on Ankole FM, toured the multipurpose block and Coffee factory under construction and visited the coffee and banana gardens.

According to the Church of Uganda Communications Officer Sadiiki Adams Mugume, the Archbishop was accompanied by the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev Canon Capt William Ongeng and the Provincial Treasurer Balaam Muheebwa.

The Members of Parliament including Ntungamo District Woman Member of Parliament Hon Baata Kamateneti and Hon Yona Musinguzi for Ntungamo Municipality, Ntungamo District Resident District Commissioner, Isaiah Kanyamahane, the Diocesan Chancellor Stephen Tashobya among other dignitaries attended 13th Diocesan anniversary celebrations.

Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe was elected on the 28th September 2011 by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda, sitting at the Commonwealth Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala as the first Bishop of the newly created South Ankole Diocese which was curved out of Ankole and West Ankole Dioceses.