Origins of the diocese
The creation of South Rwenzori Diocese is linked to the struggle for the Bamba-Bakonzo for self-administration. The yearning for an independent and separate district from Toro also crept into the church, which, like the local government, was headed by people who were not natives to the area. As parishes were created in the mountain areas, it became necessary for the church to have local people to help spread the message of salvation. It is no wonder, therefore, that the first voices for a separate diocese came from Kitholhu parish, where pastoral work became difficult for a Kabarole–based bishop amidst the agitation for separate administration. Below is the chronology of events that led to the creation of South Rwenzori Diocese.
Timeline
1973
The late Peter K. Muhyana becomes a member of the synod in Ruwenzori Diocese and member of the Provincial Assembly of the Church of Uganda.
1974
The government grants Kasese a district status.
1979
Muhyana, then treasurer and secretary of Kitojo Parish in Kasese Archdeaconry, moots the idea of establishing an Anglican diocese in Kasese in 1978-1979. The then bishop of Ruwenzori Diocese, Rt. Rev Yonasani Rwakaikara, falls ill, hampering Muhyana from advancing his dream with the bishop. The illness disrupts two consecutive confirmation classes meant to be conducted by the bishop, further strengthening the desire for an assistant bishop based in Kasese. Meanwhile, members of the Rwenzururu movement warn Bishop Rwakaikara against executing his duties in Kasese District, and direct church authorities in Kasese District not to remit any funds to Ruwenzori Diocese.
The Rwenzururu fighters periodically descend from the mountains, carrying away the church funds for ‘safe custody’ pending the creation of a separate diocese in Kasese. The fighters also stop Kasese church officials and synod representatives from attending the synod and other meetings in Ruwenzori Diocese on the grounds that Rwenzururu is fighting for the church in Kasese District. The fighters kidnap and detain Kasese priests, catechists and missioners, including Rev. Yohana Masereka and Rev. Hosea Kiiza. The consequences are reduced church activities and services in Kasese Archdeaconry and the displacement of the Kitojo vicar from his parish to Karambi, which enhance the vision to have a separate diocese.
Muhyana successfully tables a motion calling for an assistant bishop in charge of Kasese, and a resolution is sent to the Kasese archdeaconry council. The archdeaconry council debates, adopts and forwards the petition to the diocesan synod of Ruwenzori on 11th December 1979 for consideration. David Sebuhinja, one of the officials in Ruwenzori Diocese, supports the petition.
December 15, 1979
Muhyana returns to Kasese Archdeaconry and meets the archdeacon, the Ven. Canon Stephen Mukirania, with whom he further shares his views about creating a new diocese.
October 30, 1980
The issue of having an assistant bishop is once again tabled at the Kasese Archdeaconry staff meeting.
January 10, 1981
A general archdeaconry meeting appoints a joint committee comprising Rwenzururu representatives to establish peaceful negotiations between the Rwenzururu movement and the general Kasese populace. The respective sides send representatives to the negotiating table. Peter Muhyana chairs the church side, comprising Eriya Kambere, Zephaniah Bwambale and Christopher Kamabu. The Rwenzururu movement is represented by Yehosphat Kule (a.k.a School Band) and Daniel Masereka. Isaya Nzghundi and Rev. Can. Stephen Mukirania, by then the archdeacon of Kasese Archdeaconry, are appointed as advisors to the negotiations.
February 4, 1981
The first joint committee meeting decides to send a letter to Bishop Rwakaikara asking for a separate diocese before Bishop Rwakaikara is transferred from Ruwenzori. The diocesan synod accepts the request and advises Kasese Archdeaconry to follow the established procedures of establishing a diocese.
May 25, 1981
The Kasese joint planning and development committee writes a reminder to the outgoing bishop, who refers the matter to his successor, Rt. Rev. Can. Eustace Kamanyire, for necessary action.
July 27, 1981
After his election, the Bishop-elect Kamanyire convenes a meeting of representatives from Kasese Archdeaconry and other parts of Ruwenzori Diocese to discuss the Kasese demand. Representatives from Kasese Archdeaconry declare that the Bakonzo of Kasese will no longer submit to the leadership of Ruwenzori Diocese.
August 6, 1981
The Kasese archdeaconry council meets and plans to further push their demand at a provincial assembly meeting slated for 22-27.8.81. Kasese sends a three-person delegation led by Muhyana, Semu Kajurujuru, and the late Christopher Kamabu, and another letter to the archbishop of the Church of Uganda.
January 29, 1982
The Church of Uganda archbishop, Syelevenus Wani, visits Kasese Archdeaconry.
January 31, 1982
The archbishop tours Katwe and Bwera, meets the joint planning and development committee of Kasese Archdeaconry, and celebrates a holy communion service at Kisinga C.O.U.
February 1, 1982
The archbishop meets Omusinga Irema and Ngoma Charles Wesley Mumbere at Kisinga Sub-county, where various socioeconomic concerns, including peace and the church, are addressed. The archbishop also conducts a holy service at the All Saints Church Kilembe.
February 2, 1982
The archbishop, assisted by the bishop of Rwenzori Diocese, leads prayers at St. Paul’s Church of Uganda, by then headquarters of Kasese Archdeaconry, and tells the congregation to demand a diocese according to procedures.
February 5, 1982
The joint committee meets to discuss the archbishop’s advice and follows this with a series of meetings.
1984-2003
Bishop Zebedde Masereka Kahangwa
2003-2020
Bishop Jackson Nzerebende
2020-present
Bishop Nason Baluku. God willing, he will serve 12 years.