On Sunday, August 11, 2024, Rev. Canon Jacob Ateirweho was installed as the new Bishop of Bunyoro-Kitara Diocese during a ceremony at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Duhaga Cell, Hoima City.
The installation was conducted by Stephen Samuel Mugalu Kazimba, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.
Bishop Ateirweho, who succeeds Bishop Samuel Kahuma upon his retirement at age 65, outlined several key priorities for his tenure.
These include preaching a holistic gospel, enhancing leadership, advancing infrastructural development, and striving for self-reliance within the diocese.
“We will build on the efforts and successes of our predecessors to further evangelise our communities,” Ateirweho said.
He emphasised his commitment to mobilising funds for critical resources such as a mission van and a public address system to enhance evangelism and outreach.
Ateirweho also plans to establish Bunyoro-Kitara Diocese Jubilee Radio, which will support both evangelistic efforts and government programmes aimed at community mobilisation and socio-economic transformation.
Addressing the gender imbalance in church choirs, where women make up 98% of members compared to just 2% men, Ateirweho expressed his intention to organise music seminars to improve vocal training and ensure a more balanced representation in church music.
He stressed the need to maintain liturgical consistency in worship services, expressing concern over the omission of certain rites such as the confession of sins and absolution.
“It is crucial that we follow the full liturgy to ensure uniformity and spiritual integrity in our worship practices,” he said.
Bishop Ateirweho, a former teacher, also outlined plans to enhance church-founded schools.
He aims to collaborate with educational stakeholders to improve school infrastructure, provide safe water, and ensure the welfare of both staff and students.
He promised to acquire a vehicle for the church’s education department to support the supervision of its 150 primary and 12 secondary schools, which are currently monitored by one motorcycle.
Ateirweho intends to upgrade Bishop Ruhindi Theological College in Hoima City to university status, expanding its offerings to include degree programmes in various fields.
He also plans to organise training sessions for youth leaders, focusing on transformational leadership skills for secondary and university students.
The new Bishop plans to demarcate and secure land titles to prevent land grabbing.
He also aims to promote environmental conservation through tree planting and other initiatives that benefit both households and churches.
Among his other goals are constructing a new diocesan headquarters, completing the ongoing diocese business complex, and enhancing clergy welfare. He also plans to support government efforts to improve public health.
Bunyoro-Kitara Diocese encompasses the districts of Hoima, Kibaale, Kagadi, Kakumiro, and Kikuube.
Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, who represented President Yoweri Museveni said Bishop Ateirweho’s agenda reflects a broad vision for growth and development within the diocese and its communities.
The government promised support given that it aims at improving the socio-economic status of the masses.
“You and I have built countless schools, churches, health centres and we are more than ready to support this cause,” Nabbanja said.
