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Bishop Alfred Muhoozi receiving a car given to him by President Yoweri Museveni during his consecration on Sunday. The Car was handed over to him by Jessica Alupo, Uganda's Vice president.
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The Rt. Rev. Alfred Muhoozi was on Sunday onsecrated and enthroned as the 3rd Bishop of North Ankole diocese.
The ceremony was presided over by His Grace Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of Church of Uganda at Emmanuel Cathedral Rushere Kiruhura district
The Vice President, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, represented President Yoweri Museveni at the colourful function witnessed by different dignitaries, including religious leaders, politicians, and faithful across the country.
In his message delivered by Vice President Alupo, President Museveni congratulated the new bishop and handed over a brand new car to aid him in his pastoral work.
"I wish to congratulate Rev. Canon Alfred Muhoozi, who is being consecrated today upon being chosen to lead the people of God in such a time," the president said.
Bishop Alfred Muhoozi taking oath after his consecration as the Bishop of North Ankole diocese on Sunday.
He appreciated the efforts of the Most Reverend Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, for overseeing spiritual growth and development.
Museveni commended the outgoing bishop, the Rt. Rev. Stephen Namanya, for the work well done, and I believe your efforts will be greatly rewarded on earth and in the Kingdom of God.
"I encourage you to guard your heart in order to win the hearts of men and other leaders who will partner with you in this leadership. Be fruitful and be of good repute, lean on God for wisdom since all leadership comes and is enabled by God," Museveni said.
He noted that the consecration of Rev. Canon Alfred Muhoozi is a statement and testimony of his unfailing devotion and faithfulness to the church.
According to President Museveni, the consecration is a very high calling from God for the man of God to minister and take on the responsibility of shepherding his flock in this position.
He saluted the House of Bishops upon its decision to elevate Rev. Muhoozi to the position of Bishop and implored him to give selfless service, vast experience, as God has chosen him to sustain his endeavours and service as you work for him.
The president reminded the new bishop that the challenges of leadership as a religious leader will require resolute leaning on God for guidance and strength to perform, but also draw on the potential bestowed on him to to perform his duties.
“The church will require wise counsel and guidance from you, preach the gospel of love and unity, and through this, God will shape the lives of individuals and families through you as you discharge your duties,” the president said.
He encouraged him to preach the gospel of love and unity, adding that through this, God will shape the lives of individuals and families while discharging his duties.
Museveni also recognised the role of the church in shaping the morals of our society, as well as being partners with supplemented government efforts in raising people’s living standards by providing literacy and skills through religion-founded schools, vocational institutions, and universities; and promotion of good health through church-founded hospitals, among other projects.
He urged churches to continue being agents of positive change in our society instead of being limited to evangelism, teaching, and discipleship.
Museveni challenged the church to mobilise communities and make them active participants in programmes that help them solve common problems that affect their well-being.
He finally assured the Ugandans of the government's commitment to continue to work for the maintenance of peace in the entire country and also put the necessary infrastructure in place as a way of facilitating the country’s development.
In her words, Alupo called upon the people of the North Ankole diocese to receive and support the new bishop by maintaining a good relationship with religious institutions around them and concentrating on unity, peace, and development.
As by law under the Church, the bishop-elect first took an oath to serve the Church of Uganda faithfully.
In his speech, Archbishop Kazimba encouraged Christians in North Ankole to work with the new bishop to continue developing the diocese.
In his acceptance message, Bishop Muhoozi called on Christians to work together towards preserving and developing the church.
