East Ruwenzori Diocese has on August 17th 2025 celebrated 16 years of existence with a thanksgiving service at St Stephen’s Cathedral, Kamwenge, presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.
The Diocese was established on 9th August 2009, after being curved out of Ruwenzori Diocese, with Rt Rev Edward Bamucwanira as its first Bishop and the second and current Bishop, Rt. Rev. George Turyasingura, was consecrated and enthroned on 7th January 2018.
Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu commended Bishop Turyasingura for his visionary leadership that has positioned East Ruwenzori as a model Diocese within a short period of time and also paid tribute to Bishop Bamucwanira for laying a firm foundation as the founding Bishop.
While presenting a report on the status of the Diocese, the Head of Laity, Canon Caleb Ahimbisibwe, outlined major achievements over the 16 years and the Diocese now has over 70 primary schools, 10 secondary schools, vocational institutions and a Diocesan Health Centre III.
He pointed out that clergy training has greatly advanced, with priests attaining higher academic qualifications, including diplomas, degrees and master’s degrees, while others are pursuing doctorates.
> “We now have 28 priests with certificates, 19 with diplomas, 25 with bachelor’s degrees, six with master’s, and one pursuing a doctorate—all in just 16 years,” Canon Ahimbisibwe said.
He further reported that the Diocese has expanded its economic base through two commercial buildings in Kamwenge town, 20 acres of coffee, 15 acres of cocoa, and 60 acres of eucalyptus forest in Kiziba.
Additional infrastructure developments include a modern Bishop’s residence, the renovation of St Stephen’s Cathedral, and an ongoing multi-billion shilling project for a new 5,000-seater cathedral.
Canon Ahimbisibwe also noted that while the Diocese began in 2009 with only one vehicle, it now has a fleet of 16 vehicles and motorcycles to support mission and ministry.
As part of his pastoral visit that began yesterday, Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu laid foundation stones on several projects, including the renovated St Stephen’s Cathedral, the new Mothers’ Union building housing Millennium SACCO and the new Bishop’s Office.
In his remarks, Bishop Turyasingura attributed the Diocese’s achievements to the unity of Christians, clergy, and collaboration with the government and other development partners.
The event was also attended by the Minister of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon Frank Kagigi Tumwebaze who commended the Diocese for complementing government programmes in education, healthcare and agriculture.
He noted that the Church’s interventions were directly improving livelihoods and contributing to socio-economic transformation.
The function was also graced by several Bishops who included Rt Rev Reuben Kisembo of Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt Rev Barnabas Tibaijuka of West Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt Rev Edward Bamucwanira, retired Bishop of East Ruwenzori and Rt Rev Geoffrey Rwobusisi, retired Bishop of Cyangugu Diocese in Rwanda.
The thanksgiving service was also attended by several leaders, including Kibale County Member of Parliament Hon Eng Cuthbert Abigaba Mirembe, Kamwenge District Woman Member of Parliament Hon Sylvia Bahireire, Kitagwenda District Woman Member of Parliament Hon Dorothy Nzibonera, Kamwenge District Chairperson Joseph Karungi, Kitagwenda District Chairman Robert Mugabe andKamwenge District NRM Vice Chairperson Ambrose Kabango among many others.
