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Ankole Diocese gets new bishop
The Rt. Rev Dr Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa was yesterday consecrated and enthroned fifth Bishop of Ankole Diocese.
The Rt. Rev Dr Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa was yesterday consecrated and enthroned fifth Bishop of Ankole Diocese, taking over from Rt. Rev Dr George Tibesigwa at a ceremony held at Ruharo Cathedral in Mbarara.
The main celebrant at the consecration, the Archbishop of the Province of Church of Uganda, Dr Henry Luke Orombi, asked Christians to support Mwesigwa “until he is done with his work of bishop”.
“Mwesigwa is duly enthroned today July 18, 2010 as Bishop of Ankole,” Orombi said at a function graced by President Museveni as chief guest. “You’re blessed. You have a good heritage. Seek for counsel from those who have been there before and build on the foundation they left,” Orombi said referring Mwesigwa to the four retired bishops who have served the diocese.
“Remain faithful to God since you are a great resource to the church,” added Orombi. The Archbishop also prayed for the souls of the Kampala 7/11 bomb blasts: “May God’s spirit cover this nation to exercise love and compassion for one another. Lord, we ask you to guide our leadership, especially the president and his team so that we remain united in this time when we mourn.”
President Museveni, who donated a new vehicle to the bishop, urged the church to play the role of enlightening people on the fight against poverty and health: “Traditionally, the church’s role is enlightening. I have managed to transform the government and make it self-reliant. Use the multi dimensional preaching of Jesus.
The church should feed you through guidance. It is unfortunate for people to be poor in Uganda given the many things (resources) that can fetch money.”
President Museveni said that if the church enlightens its faithful, it will be able to raise church collections and run income-generating projects that will reduce dependence on donations: “For the spirit of self reliance, the government has done its part and can fund any of its projects without asking for help from donors.”
In his maiden speech, Bishop Mwesigwa pledged to empower the church economically, address environmental, health, youth, the aged and vulnerable groups.
cap: The Rt. Rev Dr Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa was yesterday consecrated and enthroned fifth Bishop of Ankole Diocese.
