Written By | Jovita Hasto
Rev Caleb Twinamatsiko the new bishop elect for North West Ankole Diocese and his wife
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IBANDA
The Church of Uganda has elected Rev. Canon Caleb Twinamatsiko as the second Bishop of North West Ankole Diocese, succeeding the retiring Bishop, Rt. Rev. Amos Magezi.
Bishop Magezi, who became the diocese’s first bishop in 2017, has served for nine years. His retirement is expected in February, according to diocesan officials.
Following the announcement of Twinamatsiko’s election, clergy at St Paul’s Cathedral in Ibanda received the news with calmness and joy, describing the outcome as God’s guidance.
The Diocesan Secretary of North West Ankole Diocese, Rev. Canon George William Turyasasira, announced the election and explained the process that led to the appointment.
He said Church of Uganda clergy and bishops are required to retire at the age of 65.
“I thank God for the news we have received. We had a bishop, Amos Magezi, whose term of office is coming to an end. He is now 65 years old, and at that age, all church servants, including clergy and bishops, retire. He is therefore due to retire next year in February,” he said.
Turyasasira explained that the diocesan synod appoints a nominations committee, which forwards two names of eligible clergy members for consideration by the House of Bishops.
“Two names were nominated and forwarded to the House of Bishops. Today, the House of Bishops, which sat in Busia District, Bukedi Diocese, in eastern Uganda, at Syamalede Archdeaconry, elected Rev. Caleb Twinamatsiko as the new bishop of North West Ankole Diocese.
“The meeting started at around 9:00pm yesterday, and by midday today, October [date], we were informed that we had a new bishop in the name of Rev. Caleb Twinamatsiko. He is one of us, born here in Ibanda, in Ngando Parish, Igorora Town Council,” he said.
He added that the election process required careful coordination and thanked the clergy and other church leaders for ensuring it was completed successfully.
“I want to thank God and all the clergy that this process has been successful. We are willing to cooperate with and support the new bishop, just as we have been working with the retiring Bishop Magezi. We shall keep up the same spirit,” he said.
Turyasasira also explained that the church does not disclose the names of unsuccessful nominees, citing an oath of secrecy intended to protect them from embarrassment and prevent unnecessary disagreements within the diocese.
Diocese Recognises Retiring Bishop’s Contribution
Turyasasira praised Bishop Magezi for his contribution to the development of the diocese over the past nine years, particularly in education, agriculture, infrastructure and church administration.
“We want to thank God for our first Bishop, Magezi. He came when we were not yet a diocese, and in the nine years he has been here, he has done a lot. He came with many development ideas and has pushed this diocese far through education, ordaining priests, establishing archdeaconries and parishes, and supporting vulnerable children through Compassion International, as well as improving coffee farming in this area,” he said.
As the diocese prepares for the leadership transition, Turyasasira urged Christians to remain calm, peaceful and united as they prepare for the new bishop’s consecration.
“Our responsibility is to keep praying, remain stable, peaceful and united. We should focus on preparations for the consecration, which is due to take place on February 7, 2027. I call upon my fellow clergy to remain positive and welcome the new bishop as he takes up his responsibilities in the diocese,” he said.
He added that the retiring bishop would be missed by clergy members who had worked closely with him over the years.
Clergy and Christians Welcome Election
Rev. Ade Adrian Tukesiga, who serves in the diocese’s Department of Households and Community Transformation, under the Lands and Estates section, welcomed the election, saying the new bishop would build on the foundation laid by his predecessor.
“I am happy to have received this good news for our diocese. This is going to be our second bishop, and we thank God for taking the lead. We have been praying and trusting in His decision. It has been God's will, and we expect the bishop-elect to move our diocese from where we are to another level. We know God will use him to reveal His glory,” he said.
Tukesiga called for unity among Christians and residents of Ibanda, urging them to support the incoming bishop.
“I appeal to the entire community in Ibanda and the Anglican Church at large to receive this news positively. There were people who had other expectations, including some among the clergy and laity. The election of a new bishop was not a war; it was what God has decided. We need to support one another, wait for the consecration ceremony and continue working with the first bishop while he is still with us,” he added.
Cliffeton Manyiromujuni, a Christian at St Paul’s Cathedral, also expressed joy following the announcement.
“I congratulate the bishop-elect, Rev. Canon Caleb Twinamatsiko, and Maama Hope on this achievement. We, as Christians, are very happy. We have been patient and remained calm throughout the process of nominating candidates for election. We waited in prayer, and God answered according to His will. We also thank the retiring Bishop Magezi for leading and serving us throughout the years he has been with us,” he said.
Profile of the Bishop-Elect
Twinamatsiko has served the Church of Uganda in different capacities and is particularly known for his time at Bishop McAllister College, Kyogyera, in Sheema District, where he served as principal. He later moved abroad and is currently serving in Canada.
According to his official profile, the bishop-elect was born on April 16, 1969, in Kigando III, Ngando Ward, Igorora Town Council, Ibanda District.
He married Hope Asiimwe in 2000, and they have two children.
He holds a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Uganda Christian University.
Twinamatsiko is currently the Rector of Christ Church Pennfield in the Diocese of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.
He is scheduled to be consecrated and enthroned as the second Bishop of North West Ankole Diocese on Sunday, February 7, 2027, at St Paul’s Cathedral in Ibanda.
