The Bishop of Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, on Sunday ordained 17 clergy during a colourful ceremony held at the Bishop’s Grounds in Mbarara City, which attracted hundreds of Christians from across the diocese. Of the 17, 13 were ordained, three were priested, and one clergy member was canonised.
Those ordained from the diaconate to the priesthood include Rev. Abaho Joram, Rev. Atwebembeire Amon, Rev. Bitarabeho Edison, Rev. Bukabeeba Elisamu, Rev. Kweyamba Robert, Rev. Mpagi Erinest, Rev. Mutsigazi Fred, Rev. Nahwera Costance, Rev. Niwabasa Nicodemus, Rev. Nuwamanya Abias, and Rev. Tukahirwa Apophia. Ven. Rev. Apollo Tweteise was made a canon, while those ordained as deacons were Jobu Monday, Katsigazi Richard and Namara Betty.
Bishop Edward Bamucwanira, who served as guest preacher and led the retreat for the ordinands, encouraged them to use every opportunity to do good to all Christians, especially those within the community of faith.
He urged them to inspire believers not to grow weary in doing good.
During the ceremony, Bishop Mwesigwa deployed the newly ordained clergy to their respective stations and announced transfers for others.
He called on Christians to cooperate with the priests and deacons assigned to their areas and to support the development of their parishes and archdeaconries, cautioning them against undermining Church-led development initiatives.
He also advised the ordinands to remain steadfast in their calling and to keep their focus on the cross of Jesus. Additionally, he renewed his appeal for regular medical check-ups, emphasising prostate cancer screening for men and cervical and breast cancer screening for women.
