Hundreds of Christians gathered in Ryabirengye on Sunday to celebrate a major milestone after Ryabirengye Church of Uganda under Nyabirerema Archdeaconry in Kigezi Diocese was officially elevated to parish status and renamed St. Mark Ryabirengye Parish.
The historic ceremony was presided over by the Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, who formally inaugurated the new parish, confirmed young Christians into the Holy Communion and installed the parish priest who will lead the new church.
Bishop Akanjuna praised the Christians of Ryabirengye for their unity, dedication and determination to develop their church. He said the collective efforts of the congregation had played a key role in enabling the church to attain parish status.
The Bishop also recognised former Rukiga County MP Hon. Roland Ndyomugyenyi Mbishi, his family and other well-wishers for their financial and material support towards the construction and completion of the new church building. He urged Christians to maintain the same spirit of generosity as the parish begins a new chapter.
Akanjuna called on Christians to increase their support for the church and improve the welfare of clergy, noting that some church leaders continue to face challenges, including inadequate and ageing accommodation. He said caring for church leaders is part of the wider responsibility Christians have towards the work of God.
After confirming the young Christians, the Bishop challenged them to remain disciplined, obedient and committed to their faith. He also tasked the newly installed parish priest with promoting unity, spiritual revival, development and healing among Christians.
Rukiga District Woman MP Hon. Dr. Silvia Arineitwe joined the calls for greater unity and support for the church and pledged continued assistance towards improving the welfare of church leaders. She also encouraged residents to embrace coffee farming, revealing that she had already distributed more than eight million coffee seedlings and would provide additional seedlings during the coming rainy season.
Representing State Minister for Trade and Economic Development David Bahati, Kabale District LCV Chairperson Denis Nzeirwe urged Christians to continue the tradition of supporting the church and vulnerable members of society. Former MP Roland Ndyomugyenyi Mbishi and Ryabirengye C.O.U Head of Laity Moses Kakuru thanked Bishop Akanjuna and all Christians,
businesspeople, politicians and well-wishers who supported the fundraising drive. The elevation to St. Mark Ryabirengye Parish now marks a new chapter in the spiritual and community development of the area, with leaders calling for continued unity, faith and service.
