On Saturday, May 7, South Rwenzori Diocese held a ceremony to officially launch its strategic plan for the years 2021-2030. St. Paul’s Cathedral was crowded with diocesan officials, guests of honor from the government, clergy members, and many churchgoers from throughout the diocese excited to celebrate the occasion.
The event started with a presentation of the strategic plan by the diocesan planning department. Syahuka Hannington, the research and grants officer, explained the major components of the plan, including its goal/mission/vision, structure, and budget. To learn more, you can view the plan yourself.
After the presentation, the honored guests entered, including the Local Council V Chairperson, the Resident District Commissioner, and the area Member of Parliament. The chief guest was the Minister of State for Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kiime Kabbyanga.
With worship, prayer, and offerings, the congregation then held a thanks giving ceremony to commemorate the occasion. Bishop Nason Baluku gave a message in honor of Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who had hoped to attend the ceremony. He shared his appreciation for all of the women in Uganda’s government, noting that 37 ministers are currently women: “If you want to look for gender balance, you come to Uganda.”
The Bishop also spoke on Psalm 105, saying that we should tell the world about all the good things happening in Uganda. He emphasized that in everything, “We need to call upon God to be at the center.”
The thanks giving ceremony was followed by the official launch of the strategic plan. The Basenia Mothers’ Union choir began with a welcoming song and dance, and the Bishop covered the key highlights of the plan, encouraging a partnership with the government to fill in some of the funding gaps.
Next, gifts were presented to the Member of Parliament and State Minister. As part of the launch, officials signed plans for a new hostel to be constructed memorializing the former bishop, the Rt. Rev. Zebedee Masereka, who was also in attendance. The ceremony ended with speeches by the various guests, and then the diocese stepped forward into the implementation phase of its strategic plan – looking ahead to ten years of improving the lives of people in the diocese, with Jesus as the foundation.