Emeritus Bishop Patrick Tugume appointed caretaker North Kigezi Diocese

Rukungiri, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba has appointed retired Bishop Patrick Tugume as the caretaker of the North Kigezi Diocese.

Bishop Tugume retired as the Bishop of North Kigezi in 2017 and was replaced by Bishop Benon Magezi as his successor. Bishop Magezi on Tuesday succumbed to Covid-19 at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

In a press statement issued by the Church of Uganda Provincial Secretary Rev. Canon William Ongeng, Archbishop Kaziimba named Tugume as caretaker Bishop during the final send-off of the late Magezi at Emmanuel Cathedral, Rukungiri.

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. However, the Archbishop may appoint a retired Bishop to serve on his behalf as a caretaker Bishop.

Kaziimba says that Bishop Tugume will bring a wealth of experience, local knowledge, and spiritual maturity to the role. Kaziimba also calls 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.

Born in 1952, Tugume holds a Masters of Arts in Pastoral Theology from Anglia Polytechnic University-UK, a Bachelor of Divinity from the Association of Theological Institutions in East Africa and a Diploma in Theology from Makerere University.

Rev. Canon Patrick Tugume Tusingwire worked as Diocesan Secretary, Archdeacon, Parish Priest, and Primary School Teacher. He served in many other capacities within Church-related structures.

Magezi is the third Bishop of the Church of Uganda to succumb to Covid-19. Early this year, the Church lost Bishop Alphonse Watho-Kudi for Nebbi and Bishop Remelia Ringtho, the retired Bishop of Madi and West Nile Diocese.

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