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General Information About
South Rwenzori Diocese

History

The Diocese was carved off from Rwenzori Diocese on 26th August, 1984, with the Rt. Rev. Zebedee Kahangwa Masereka as the first Bishop. At that time, there were only 26 parishes and 33 priests. Now there are 38 parishes and 85 priests. The current Bishop is the Rt. Rev. Jackson Nzerebende. The people's demand for a new diocese was based on their desire to:
  1. Bring church services nearer to the communities of Kasese District,
  2. Develop church liturgy in Lhukonzo (the main language of the people in Kasese), and
  3. Create opportunity for the Bakonzo people to develop their own identity as one of the tribes of Uganda, as a way of minimizing the effects of the longstanding hostilities between Batooro and Bakonzo since the 1930's.

Geography

South Rwenzori Diocese is located in the Southwest of Uganda and covers the same area as Kasese District. To the South is Lake Edward and to the West is the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is set across the equator and on 33o E, with an area of 5800 square kilometers.

The Diocese is found in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and the lowlands are in the Western Rift Valley. Despite being on the equator, the Rwenzori Mountains (the Mountains of the Moon) rise to snow capped peaks and dominate most of the district. The lowlands are over 600 meters above sea level, while the peaks are over 4,250 meters (over 7,000 ft) above sea level. On the Eastern side, the mountains slope down into a plain. At the foot of the mountains is Kasese Town, the administrative centre for the District. Kasese is also home to the Diocesan Office and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

South Rwenzori Diocese shares the same geographical boundaries with the political district of Kasese and the Catholic Diocese of Kasese.

Statement of Faith

The Church of Uganda is part of one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, worshipping the one true God, the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

Vision

To restore positive religious, socioeconomic and cultural values and morals for the improved quality of life for the community.

MISSION

To nurture humanity holistically through preaching, teaching/training, healing and caring so that they may have abundant life.

Core Values

As a religious institution, we need to be aware of our own values – what we have in common as members of South Rwenzori Diocese, and universal values that bind us together – and use these values as a common reference point. Our values are:
  1. Non-discrimination: Respect of human kind irrespective of tribe, belief, and ethnicity, political, social and cultural status. Respect for all is an essential precondition for communication, team work and productivity.
  2. Uphold practical Christian living: Equity and social justice require spiritual growth for effective co-existence.
  3. Transparency: We are accountable to God for the use of our time and resources. We are accountable to our partners and supporters. We aspire to be honest, trustworthy and transparent in all that we do.
  4. Commitment: We are committed to constructive partnerships and relationships.
  5. Love and Care
  6. Integrity