The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Stephen Samuel Kaziimba has today appointed Emeritus Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Patrick Tugume Tusingwire as the caretaker Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese. Dr. Kaziimba made the announcement today during the funeral of the fallen Bishop of the diocese, the Rt. Rev. Benon Magezi at Emmanuel Cathedral, Rukungiri.
Bishop Magezi passed away on 15th June at Mulago Hospital after battling Covid-19 for a few days. According to the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Uganda, when a diocese falls vacant, the Archbishop automatically becomes the Bishop of the Diocese and takes on all ecclesiastical authority.
The Archbishop may, however, appoint a retired Bishop to serve on his behalf as a caretaker Bishop. He brings a wealth of experience, local knowledge, and spiritual maturity to the role.
Archbishop Kaziimba called for people to pray for the family of Bishop Benon Magezi and to pray for retired Bishop Patrick Tugume as he takes on the leadership of a grieving Diocese. Bishop Tugume retired as Bishop of North Kigezi on 8th January 2017, handing over the mantle to Bishop Benon Magezi who held the seat until his time of death.
