Masindi-Kitara Diocese seeks over Shs600 million for consecration of new Bishop
He therefore appealed for generous contributions in order to have a successful event.
Masindi: Masindi Kitara Diocese is hunting for over 600 million shillings needed for the consecration of the third Bishop and bid farewell to the outgoing one.
The archbishop of the church of Uganda the Most Reverend Dr. Steven Kazimba Mugalu will on 3rd August 2025 consecrate Reverend Canon Joshua Kugonza as the third bishop of Masindi Kitara diocese replacing George William Kasangaki who has clocked the mandatory retirement aged under the church of Uganda constitution.
Simon Peter Ayebale, the chairperson organizing committee for the two events told ugreports.co.ug that his committee has come up with the budget for the event that will attract thousands of people from the entire country.
Ayebale explained that the money will among other activities be used to refurbish the bishop’s official residence, construct the towers for the diocese’s cathedral, feed the guests and accommodate the bishops and their entourages that will grace the event.
In a bid to raise the money, Ayebale said the diocese is contacting all its archdeacons, its founded education institutions, corporate bodies, leaders and individuals in the diocese among others for contributions towards the budget.
He added that the committee has also opened up a WhatsApp group to enable the people to contribute towards the event.
He revealed that in preparation for the consecration, Archbishop Dr Kazimba has written to the diocese informing it of the planned assessment of the progress of the preparations by a team from the province of the church of Uganda next week.
Ayebale said the people’s contribution towards the event is so far positive, revealing that over 100 million shillings had been realized while others had contributed in kind.
He therefore appealed for generous contributions in order to have a successful event.
Succession process
The process to select a new bishop for Masindi-Kitara Diocese started in October 2024 when Bishop Kasangaki announced his retirement plans for August 2025, as he reaches the mandatory retirement age.
A 15-member nomination committee, chaired by Diocesan Chancellor George Kunihira, was responsible for vetting candidates. After a thorough evaluation, Rev. Canon Joshua Kugonza emerged as the chosen candidate.
Who is Rev. Canon Joshua Kugonza?
The House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda, convening at Zebra Hotel in Masaka City on March 30, 2025, elected Rev. Canon Joshua Kugonza as the 3rd Bishop of Masindi-Kitara Diocese. His consecration and enthronement will take place on August 3, 2025, at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Masindi.
Born on October 7, 1976, in Kiryandongo District, Rev. Canon Kugonza gave his life to Christ on September 13, 1989, at Alwala Church of Uganda in Apac District, West Lango Diocese.
His journey in the ministry began with his ordination as a Deacon on January 3, 2010, and his Priesting on December 14, 2010, at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Masindi. He was later elevated to the position of Canon at the same cathedral.
Rev. Kugonza is married to Mrs. Proscovia Allen Kugonza, and together they have four children. He has served as the Diocesan Secretary of Masindi-Kitara Diocese since 2021 and has held various roles in the church, including Parish Priest, Project Officer with Samaritan’s Purse, and Headteacher at Kigumba Intensive Primary School.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Divinity from Uganda Christian University and a Diploma in Education from National Teachers College, Ngetta in Lira District, along with several other professional qualifications.
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