Bundibugyo, Uganda – August 28, 2025 

In a vibrant display of unity and devotion, the Christians of West Ruwenzori Diocese extended a heartfelt welcome to the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, during his pastoral visit this week.
The visit culminated in a thanksgiving service on August 27, commemorating the second anniversary of the diocese’s establishment and the episcopal ministry of its pioneering Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Barnabas Tibaijuka.

The event, held at St. Barnabas Cathedral in Bumadu, was a testament to the high spirits and unwavering faith of the local Christian community, who gathered in thousands to celebrate their shared journey “Rooted in Christ, Growing in Faith.”A Warm Arrival and Spirited ReceptionArchbishop Kaziimba arrived in the diocese on the afternoon of August 26, greeted by enthusiastic crowds of believers, clergy, and community leaders.
The air was filled with songs of praise and traditional dances, reflecting the deep joy and anticipation that had built up in the lead-up to this milestone occasion. For many attendees, the Archbishop’s presence symbolized not just ecclesiastical authority but a beacon of hope and guidance for a diocese still in its formative years. Christians from remote villages traveled long distances to participate, their faces alight with smiles and their voices raised in harmonious worship, embodying a collective spirit of resilience and optimism.

The West Ruwenzori Diocese, carved out from the larger Ruwenzori Diocese on August 27, 2023, was created to bring pastoral care closer to believers in the rugged, underserved regions of Bundibugyo District.
Prior to its formation, faithful members often endured arduous journeys for spiritual support, a challenge that has now been alleviated under Bishop Tibaijuka’s leadership. The two-year mark served as a poignant reminder of God’s faithfulness, with the high spirits of the Christians evident in every aspect of the welcome—from the colorful decorations adorning the cathedral to the spontaneous outbursts of applause and ululations during the Archbishop’s entry.

By Edward Kyomuhendo