NELSON K
The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesmus Asiimwe, yesterday hosted the third consecutive annual Boxing Day reunion party, bringing together Christians from Rukungiri District who work outside the North Kigezi Diocese and abroad.
The annual gathering was held at the Bishop’s residence at Kinyansano Cathedral, attracting Christians who had returned home to Rukungiri to celebrate Christmas with their families.
The reunion was characterized by jubilation, a special dinner, family introductions, networking, relationship building, and sharing business ideas among the congregants.
Speaking shortly after the event, Bishop Onesmus Asiimwe told Boona FM that this year’s Boxing Day party marked the third consecutive reunion since he was installed as Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese in 2023. He said the main purpose of organizing the annual gatherings is to promote unity at the highest level, strengthen relationships, and create platforms for sharing ideas aimed at the development of North Kigezi Diocese.
The Bishop explained that his vision of unity goes beyond celebration, noting that the gathering allows Christian families to introduce their children publicly, share fellowship, and experience spiritual revival. He added that many Christians working far away are often burdened by busy schedules, and such reunions provide an opportunity for relaxation, spiritual nourishment, and renewal.
Bishop Asiimwe further revealed that Christians who attended the reunion are working in countries and towns including the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Kenya, South Africa, Mbarara, Entebbe, and Kampala. He urged them to maintain unity, share business ideas, and act as ambassadors who strengthen and promote North Kigezi Diocese globally, in line with God’s will.
The Bishop also commended the Christians for their tremendous support towards the construction of Kinyansano Cathedral, announcing that once completed, the cathedral will become the largest church in Africa, with a seating capacity of 10,000 worshippers at a time.
He thanked all those who attended the reunion dinner and invited those who missed the event to make arrangements to attend next year’s Boxing Day celebration. Bishop Asiimwe concluded by wishing all Christians a happy New Year and peaceful forthcoming elections marked by unity and harmony.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour, the Rujumbura County Member of Parliament, Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katuguugu, accompanied by his wife Susan Muhwezi, praised Bishop Onesmus Asiimwe and his wife Maama Florence for breaking chains and laying a strong foundation for spiritual revival and transformation in North Kigezi Diocese.
However, Maj. Gen. Muhwezi publicly apologized to the Bishop and the congregation for not fulfilling his earlier pledge of re-fencing the Bishop’s residence together with his family, promising to honor the pledge during next year’s Boxing Day celebrations.
