North Kigezi Diocese, 26th July 2025 — The Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe called upon men to build strong spiritual, relational, and mentoring foundations in their lives during the first-ever Diocesan Men’s Gathering, which brought together over 1,000 men for a powerful retreat.
In his address, Bishop Asiimwe expressed deep gratitude to God for the success of the event and appreciated The Very Rev. Amatsiko Niwegariho, the Diocesan Father’s Union Coordinator, for his effective mobilization efforts.
The Bishop emphasized that every man needs to cultivate three key relationships:
Vertical relationship with God, Horizontal relationship with fellow men and Downward relationship where every man mentors someone else
He urged men to uphold strong family values and resist negative influences that seek to derail their lives and responsibilities.
The main speaker, Mr. Samuel Bakutana, Provincial Father’s Union Coordinator, delivered a message on behalf of His Grace Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. The Archbishop described a real man as one who is selfless to God, self-supportive, and self-controlled.
Speaking on the theme “Being a Real Man and a Leader”, Mr. Bakutana challenged men to embrace leadership in all areas of life. Quoting leadership expert Dr. John Stanko, he lamented the crisis of poor leadership in society, stating:
“We have many people in positions of leadership, but little actual leadership—many are corrupt, deceitful, and dishonest, yet still call themselves leaders.”
He called on men to rise as true leaders, emphasizing key characteristics of a godly and responsible man to:
Lead the way, Know and care for their people, Watch their steps (live with integrity), Train and add value to others, Protect their families, Be generous and bold, Be men of substance and responsibility, Know and live by the Word of God.
To fulfill these attributes, Mr. Bakutana made a clarion call for men to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In response, thirty-two (32) men gave their lives to Christ, repenting of sins including adultery (erisho), anger, alcoholism, and spousal abuse.
