President Museveni has raised concern about religious bigots

1 November 2024, 5:43 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

In exercise of Article 13 clause 2 of the provincial constitution 1973 as amended in 1994 and 2016 which states that, Assistant Bishop nominated and appointed by the appropriate Diocesan Bishop after the consultation with the Diocesan Synod, provided that such appointment shall first be sanctioned by the Archbishop and the House of bishops. This was done on 10 August 2024, where the house of bishops approved Ven. Rev. Canon Fredrick Jackson Baalwa as the fifth Assistant Bishop of Diocese of Kampala.

Today, at All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero, Kampala District, the consecration of Baalwa took place, in his address to the congregation, the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni who was escorted by the first lady Janet Museveni, congratulated the church for this milestone. He however raised concern with people who don’t do what their faith states. “I normally get problems with people who say that they are religious but you find that they are also bigots.” he said.

President Museveni also appreciated the Christians for giving the Archbishop of Church of Uganda, His Grace the Most Reverend Dr. Kazimba Mugalu Mboowa, a befitting to be exemplary to the non Christians by using their talents. All this was done during the official opening of the new All Saints Cathedral, which was modernised and now seats five thousand people. Shillings Eighteen billion was used for construction and refurbishment and it took 14 years to be completed. However, Shillings seven billion is still needed to finish the tall tower, elevators and the archbishop’s office.

The Right Reverend. Alfred Olwa, the Bishop of the Diocese of Lango who also doubled as the main preacher, encouraged believers to fix their eyes on Jesus Christ. “I encourage you brothers and sisters, to fix your eyes on Christ who is able. I also request the clergy to heed from falling into temptation.” He preached.

Born on 19th, May,1963 at Musita in Busoga region, Canon Baalwa holds a master’s degree in theology from Uganda Christian University, Bachelors of divinity from Makerere University and a Diploma in Education. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and savior on 21st, January,1985. He has been serving as the Arch Deacon of Southern Archdeaconary.

Ivan Naijuka, the communications officer for Kampala Diocese narrated the significance of the assistant Bishop. “With the Archbishop handling extensive pastoral care throughout all the dioceses and arranging significant administrative duties, having an assistant Bishop is essential to support and alleviate the work load, ensuring that both pastoral and administrative responsibilities are effectively addressed.” he said.

Initially, after the creation of Kampala Diocese in 1972, the church did not appoint an assistant Bishop until 1982 when Lucas Gonahasa, who previously served as the assistant Bishop of Bukedi, was named assistant Bishop of Kampala. Others Who worked in the same office are Bishop Maani Eliphaz, Bishop Zac Niringiye and Bishop Hannington Mutebi who has been succeeded by Bishop Fredrick Jackson, making him the fifth Bishop of the Diocese.

During the consecration, the Archbishop of Church of Uganda, Dr. Kazimba Mugalu congratulated the bishop and encouraged him to always look on to the Lord as he fulfills his duties. Kazimba also thanked the government of Uganda and everyone for supporting the church in constructing the cathedral. Bishop Baalwa promised to do God’s work diligently.