Derrick Ampereza
Christians of Bugangari Archdeaconry in the North Kigezi Diocese, Rukungiri District, have successfully raised over 22 million Ugandan Shillings with the purpose of acquiring a vehicle for their Archdeacon, Ven Elias Mbaangi. Boaz Kwesiga Rutera, who serves as the head of laity for the archdeaconry, initiated this fundraising effort to show their appreciation for the exceptional work done by Ven Elias Mbaangi and to alleviate his transportation challenges while serving the congregation.
Boaz Rutera emphasized that it was not ideal to see the Archdeacon and his wife commuting on a motorcycle, which often exposed them to unfavorable weather conditions such as rain and dust. This inspired him to lead the initiative to collect funds for the purchase of a vehicle for the Archdeacon.
Additionally, Boaz Rutera, in his role as the head of laity for the Bugangari Archdeaconry, is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of their clergy throughout the archdeaconry. He is also promoting the idea of encouraging churches and Christians to engage in coffee cultivation, aiming for their archdeaconry to set an example in this regard.
Patrick Kamugisha, a local coffee businessman in Rukungiri town who served as the chief guest at the fundraising event, encouraged Christians to embrace coffee farming, highlighting that it could boost the income of the church beyond relying solely on church offerings. He proposed that the bishop allow them to collaborate in establishing a modern coffee nursery for affordable seedlings, which would help expand coffee cultivation across the diocese, in line with one of the bishop’s priorities.
The North Kigezi Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev Onesimus Asiimwe, delivered a sermon during the fundraising event at the Bugangari Archdeaconry Centre. He urged Christians to be thankful, emphasizing that a generous hand is one that receives blessings. He shared an example of Rev Bonan Mugire, a curate in the Bugangari Archdeaconry, who contributed one goat as an offering, but thanks to the generosity of others, received six goats during the same event.
Bishop Asiimwe expressed his gratitude to Mr. Boaz Rutera for his commendable efforts, particularly in supporting the clergy and introducing the idea of acquiring a vehicle for the archdeacon. He also acknowledged Rutera’s work in making the archdeaconry a model parish for coffee cultivation, led by Rwayanja Church of Uganda, headed by Rev Richard Kwehangana.
