MBARARA.
The Anglican Church of Uganda’s Ankole Diocese has launched the process of selecting a new bishop to replace Sheldon Mwesigwa, who is set to retire next year .
Bishop Mwesigwa has served for more than a decade in office.
The process began on March 26, 2026, with the election of a 15-member search committee during the diocese’s 27th synod meeting held in Mbarara City.
The committee is chaired by Francis Butagira, the diocesan chancellor and a former Speaker of Parliament.
Other members include Ven Rev Sarah Abareba, Ven Rev Patrick Atuhaire, Rev Aggrey Aijuka, Ven Rev Canon Stephen Tuyasingura, Ven Yonah Byaruhanga and Canon John Kaganzi.
Additional members are Mr Nathan Mugume, Mr Martin Kananura, Canon Gloria Kakyuliza, Dr Jeninah Mwesigye, Ms Winnie Atwiine, Mr Aston Perplex, Ms Darison Owomugasho and Ms Doreen Ninsiima Desire.
Outgoing Bishop Mwesigwa expressed confidence in the committee, saying its members were competitively selected and entrusted with identifying a suitable successor.
“We have much trust in this committee, it was not just selected but members were nominated and there was a voting by members of the diocesan council, it was very competitive. We chose members we consider as being of high integrity, very informed, God fearing and confident,” he said.
Bishop Mwesigwa revealed that he would officially hand over leadership after serving for 17 years as the fifth bishop of the diocese.
“By the grace of God I will be handing over on September 27, 2027. I am now doing pastoral visits, bidding farewell to Christians across the diocese. Next year I will be meeting different committees of the diocese doing stocktaking on what we have achieved,” he said.
He added that the transition period would also involve participating in broader church activities, including the installation of other bishops.
Church leaders and members expressed optimism that the committee would deliver a credible process.
Noel Eric, principal of the Uganda Bible Institute, said the committee was composed of individuals with strong reputations.
“We have elected a committee we have high hopes it will do us a better service. It consists of people with a reputable character. We appreciate the current bishop for steering the diocese to greater achievements in spiritual growth and social-economic transformation,” he said.
A church member, Herbert Batungira, said Christians expect the process to produce a leader capable of guiding the diocese’s future direction.
At the same synod meeting, members also nominated leaders for key diocesan committees, including education, health, household and community transformation, and evangelism and mission.
Ankole Diocese, established in 1967 under the Church of Uganda, covers the districts of Mbarara, Isingiro and Rwampara, as well as Mbarara. Its headquarters are located in Ruharo, about three kilometres from the CBD, along the Mbarara–Bushenyi Road.
