RUKUNGIRI- The Archdeacon of Rujumbura Archdeaconry under the North Kigezi Diocese, Ven. Dickson Kakanyisa, on Sunday May 25th 2025 led the installation service of Rev. Edison Ampaire as the new parish priest of Kyatoko.
The vibrant ceremony, held at Kyatoko Church of Uganda (COU), drew a large congregation eager to witness this significant milestone.
During his sermon, Archdeacon Kakanyisa emphasized the importance of serving God’s flock without discrimination, urging Rev. Ampaire to ensure his ministry bears fruitful results. He humorously reminded the new priest of the accountability he would face on judgment day.
Rev. Ampaire, who previously served at the Missions office, was appointed to Kyatoko COU following a recent diocesan reshuffle by Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe. In accepting his new role, he pledged to uphold the canons of the Church of Uganda, under the guidance of Bishop Asiimwe and the diocesan leadership team.
The day’s chief guest, Counsel Isaac Atukunda, the North Kigezi Diocesan Deputy Chancellor, offered his support to Rev. Ampaire and the parish. He highlighted the importance of diligent service, promising support from the church members living and working in Kampala. Atukunda, who is also a candidate for the Rukungiri Municipality Parliamentary seat, commended the congregation for their efforts in constructing a magnificent church building.
He called for the recruitment of more lay readers from Kyatoko Parish and advocated for the elevation of local facilities, including upgrading the health center to a Health Centre III and Kyatoko Primary School to a secondary school. Additionally, he suggested forming a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) to empower congregants economically and urged them to move past any negative reputations from the past.
Gershom Twesigye, the head of laity at Kyatoko Parish, praised the teamwork that led to the swift construction of the church and the completion of the 2025 diocesan quota. He promised continued cooperation with Rev. Ampaire to ensure the ongoing development of the parish.
Dr. Elisah Rutahigwa, the Member of Parliament for Rukungiri Municipality, also attended the event. He recounted the efforts to restart church reconstruction projects that had stalled and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting all church initiatives to further God’s work.
As Rev. Ampaire embarks on this new journey, the Kyatoko community looks forward to a period of growth and unity under his leadership.