The consecration service for Rev. Michael Okwii Esakhan as the next Bishop of Kumi Diocese is underway at St. Phillips Cathedral in Ngora District.
The service started when almost half of the pews were empty but more Christians later turned up and filled the cathedral.
The service is presided over by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Samuel Stephen Kazimba Mugalu who is assisted by Bishop Kosea Odongo of Soroti Diocese. At least 20 bishops are in attendance for the service that started at 8:40am. The Church of the Province of Uganda has 39 dioceses.
On February 9, the House of Bishops elected Reverend Okwii as the next Bishop of Kumi following leadership vacuum spanning more than two years. This comes after the failed consecration and enthronement of Rev. Charles Okunya Oode, who had been elected in 2019 to replace the founder bishop, Thomas Edison Irigei.
Reverend Okunya’s election was later cancelled after it emerged that he had falsefied his actual age just days before he was elected.
Prior to Okwii’s consecration, some Christians ran to court seeking to block the function but Soroti Resident Judge, Henry Peter Adonyo dismissed the application.
Rev. Okwii hails from Ngora District which hosts Kumi Diocese Cathedral. He has been in Soroti Diocese as Archdeacon of Soroti Archdeaconry. By the time of his election, he had also been appointed as Coordinator of Missions and Evangelism in Soroti Diocese.
Rev. Okwii has served in different capacities starting at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Soroti Diocese where he was a Curate and Vicar. He later served as the diocesan education secretary before joining All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero, Kampala.
The incoming bishop has also been a lecturer at Uganda Christian University in Mukono before becoming Director of the same institution in Mbale Campus.
The Bishop of Lango Diocese, Alfred Oluwa who is the preacher of the day says it has been a tough transitional period for Kumi Diocese.
“I thank the Archbishop of the Province of the Church of Uganda and the care taker bishop, Rt. Rev. Charles Odurkami for steering this diocese during the most difficult times. We pray for you, the incoming bishop that you lead the church into one body of Christ”, he said.
The Vice President, Jessica Alupo, arrived to the function at 9:49am.
For more click here.
