Bishops of the Anglican Church in Western Uganda (serving and retired) gathered together with their spouses in the Rukungiri District of the Diocese of North Kigezi for their annual fellowship aimed at discussing the development of their diocese.

Bishops from Bunyoro, Rwenzori, Ankole and Kigezi districts have been awarding scholarships on a rotating basis from each of the dioceses every year since 1976.

Speaking at the launch of the fellowship at the bishop’s residence at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano, Rt Rev Amos Magezi, Bishop of Northwest Ankole, who was the chairman of the meeting, said such meetings allow them to renew their spirits, discuss development and often share cooking. Those who retire are returning to serve.

“When people hear that we are gathered in such fellowship, some worry that we will talk politics. This is definitely a prayer meeting. We meet to talk about how we can improve our dioceses. A moment where we meet and talk. Some people have already retired and we are passing the time without meeting. “We pray for each other and share a lot,” Bishop Magezi said.

He said that they also chose new leaders during the fellowship.

Host Bishop Rt Rev Onesimus Asiimwe welcomed the diocesan prelates, who set the agenda for the meeting, which begins on Wednesday evening until Sunday, when more than 30 serving and retired bishops and their spouses will lead a service at Emmanuel Cathedral.

“We are going through a lot. We will have people who will talk to us, tour the diocese, and bless many people. We will have a retreat from Wednesday to Sunday. What we talk about is strictly for us as bishops and our spouses. We will share it at the church service on Sunday morning after the end of the fellowship.” Bishop Onesimus told Monitor.

On Thursday morning, the bishops inaugurated the Butagatsi Arena Hotel, one of the largest recreational facilities in Rukungiri Town, where they also hold their retreats.

This year’s scholarship comes at a time when England’s Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby resigned on Tuesday amid an abuse cover-up scandal. ​