The Rt Rev Godfrey Mbitse yesterday consecrated and enthroned as the 3rd Bishop of Muhabura diocese with a call on him to be a Bishop of all people regardless of their religious affiliation.
The call was made by the Bishop of Kinkizi Diocese, the Rt Rev Dan Zoreka in his sermon at a colorful consecration ceremony held at St. Peters Cathedral Seseme, the diocesan headquarters in Kisoro district.
The Consecration and enthronement were led by the archbishop of the church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.
Bishop Zoreka implored Bishop Mbitse not to be a Bishop of the Church of Uganda only but to be a Bishop of all people and not to segregate them despite of their religious affiliations. Bishop Zoreka also told Christians of Muhabura Diocese to receive Bishop Mbitse as a God-chosen leader, cooperate with him, and not fight him so that he executes his works as a good shepherd.
The Provincial Secretary of Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, read the citation of the minutes in part that the House of Bishops sitting at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono elected Bishop Mbitse on February 25 2023 to be the shepherd of Muhabura Diocese.
Flanked by his wife Annah Mbitse, children, and a host of other church leaders, Bishop Mbitse accepted God’s responsibility to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world, be faithful in ordaining, making canons and laying his hands upon Christians, be merciful for Christ’s sake to the poor and needy people and all strangers destitute with the words “I will do so, by the help of God” with loud chants and cheers from the faithful after being examined by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the most Rev Dr Steven Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu in certain Articles.
Archbishop Kaziimba handed over Bible, church of Uganda Constitution and canons to Bishop Mbitse and gave him a go head to read, Exhortation and doctrine them asking him to think about them, be diligent in them and take heed of himself and to doctrine and be diligent in doing them, be the flock of Christ a shepherd not wolf but feed them. Archbishop Kaziimba declared Bishop Mbitse at 11:55 Am and also handed over the pastoral staff and diocese to officially assume ministry as the Bishop of Muhabura Diocese.
In his remarks, the Bishop Emeritus of Muhabura Diocese, the Rt Rev Cranmer Mugisha thanked God for the good Journey in Ministry since he was Ordained as a deacon in 1991. Bishop Cranmer appreciated the clergy and Christians of Muhabura Diocese for the support and love during his tenure as the Diocesan Bishop.
In his charge as newly enthroned bishop, Rt Rev Mbitse pledged to collaborate with the government to improve standards of Church of Uganda founded schools, uplift health hygiene and sanitation, household income through commercial agriculture, intensive farming and promote food storage and marketing.
Bishop Mbitse also promised to enhance human resource development, Environmental protection through forestation, focus on mission and Evangelism, children ministry, ministry to the youth, men, and boy child, and complete the construction of a new cathedral under construction.
The Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, Major (Rtd) Jessica Alupo who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called on all the believers to support the new Bishop so that the Diocese can develop.
The President donated a new brand vehicle to Bishop Mbitse to help him in his ministry.
Rt Rev Godfrey Mbitse was elected the 3rd Bishop of Muhabura Diocese by the House of Bishops sitting on 25th February 2023 in Mukono.
Bishop Mbitse was born on 2nd February 1964 in Ruko Village, Nyarubuye Subcounty, Kisoro District.
He was born again in 1985 while in secondary school.
Bishop Mbitse earned a Bachelor of Divinity from Bishop Barham University College of Uganda Christian University in 2007, after having successfully been awarded a Diploma in Theology in 1998. He has ordained a deacon in 1998 and a priest in 1999 in Muhabura Diocese.
Bishop Mbitse began the ministry of God in Muhabura Diocese as a youth leader and Church Teacher. He has served as a parish priest since 1998 and as an Archdeacon since 2009. Since 2015, he has been serving as the Diocesan Mission Coordinator and Diocesan Head of Clergy.
Bishop Mbitse is married to Anna Mbitse and God has blessed them with five children and six grandchildren.
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