RUKUNGIRI -North Kigezi diocesan synod at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano yesterday on Monday 14/11/2022 elected Abel Matita as the head of laity succeeding Canon Sabiti Mahirane.
Abel Matita contested with canon Benon kwikiriza Baabo and garnered 47 votes against 45 votes.
Others elected were Polycap Twesigye as head of clergy replacing Rev. Can. Nathan Kirebete who retired and was appointed bishops’ commissary. Rev. Canon Jack Kabahikyeho who has been Bishops’ commissary for 17 years also retired officially.
A committee of 15 members was also elected,these will be responsible for nominating two people and send them to the house of bishop to consider who will be the 6th bishop of North Kigezi diocese.
The diocesan chancellor, Benon Maguru will lead 15 committee members that include Rev. Polycarp Katwesigye, Winnie Babihuga, Jolly Mashaija, Canon Jolly Babirukamu, Can. Boaz Mategyero, Muhwezi Mugisha, Benon Kwikiriza, Lea Ankunda, Joab Tumwikirize and Edson Matsiko. Others are Rev Dickens Baguma, Rev. Benson Akankwatsa, Rev. Jolly Tumwesigye and Rev. Eric Bingana Mugyenzi.
The caretaker Bishop Patrick Tugume Tusingwaire appluaded the outgoing leaders for the development brought in the diocese.
He noted that the process of electing a new Bishop to replace the late Bishop Magezi is expected will take a period of five months.
The Late Bishop Benon Magezi was 5th North Kigezi bishop who succumbed to covid 19 in 2021 before his term in active service expired.