Museveni calls for unity as new Bishop of Kumi Rev Okwii is consecrated

Church of Uganda has finally consecrated Rev Michael Okwii Esakan as the second Bishop of Kumi Diocese at a colorful ceremony held at St Philip’s Cathedral in Ngora District a place that fell vacant since 2019.

In a message delivered for  President Yoweri Museveni read by Vice President Jesca Alupo, President Museveni expressed gratitude to Rev Esakan for his elevation to the position of bishop.

The Vice President, Ms Jessica Alupo, recalls Kumi Diocese as one of the areas that was surrounded by peace and tranquillity in the 1980s.

 She hoped for the revival of peace and harmony in the Church.

Quoting the book of Galatians 6:2, the President urged the clergy to love others’ burdens to fulfill the law of Christ.

He further commended the church for its effort in bringing forth social economic liberation through mindset change.

Museveni said the government will continue supporting the Church through endeavours of mindset change.

 “In the current times, the Church has been working with the flock to transform the livelihood and economic stand in the Church. I implore you to establish more income generating activities for economic growth,” he said.

He donated a Mitsubishi Pajero vehicle to the newly enthroned Bishop.

Rev Esakan was installed by Archbishop Samuel Stephen Kaziimba.

“By the divine powers entrusted to me, I do install and declare Rev Michael Okwii Esakan as the second Bishop of Kumi Diocese,” Rev Dr Kaziimba said as the congregation cheered.

His installation comes three years after the retirement of Bishop Thomas Edison Irigei on December 19, 2019.

The House of Bishops then elected Rev Charles Oode Okunya as the would-be next bishop but he was thrown out over irregularities in his age.

The seat was placed under the custodianship of Bishop Charles Odurkami as the tension played out in the diocese.

Rev Esakan was then appointed in February.

However, last month, three Christians, Mr Nekemiah Akongel, Rev James Opedun, and Mr Joseph Etoori, filed a civil suit before Soroti High Court challenging the appointment of the Rev Esakan as next bishop for Kumi Diocese.

The applicants protested the election of Rev Esakan saying it was not executed according to the canon laws.

The three contended that the nomination committee that brought in bishop-elect Esakan was illegal and unconstitutional since there was no elected synod to conduct the process as recommended by law.

Their application was not granted as the High Court judge, Mr Henry Peter Adonyo, objected that the Church had the right to appoint leaders to respective positions of their choice.

The Bishop of Lango Diocese, Rt Rev Alfred Olwa, who was the main preacher of the day, urged the clergy and Christians to abstain from conflicts.

“I want to appeal that today as you receive the second bishop of Kumi Diocese, you must move forward and grow in your faith in Christ,” Rev Olwa said.

He implored Christians to unite and work towards peace in the diocese.

The newly installed bishop pledged to work with everybody.

 “I have come in good faith with open hands and open heart to and I will be a bishop for everybody,” Bishop Esakan  said.

 Bishop Esakan pictured above  waving hand also promised to work hand in hand with Rev Okunya, but warned that his relationship and work ethics should not be conditional.

 Meanwhile, the Rt Rev Odurkami thanked God for making it possible to have the new bishop installed.

 He acknowledged having met challenges that put his faith to test.

Michael Esakan was born on February 10, 1965 in Atoot, Ngora District. He received a post-graduate diploma in management from Uganda Management Institute in 2003. He has a Master’s degree in Applied Theology from Trinity College, Bristol, UK, and a Bachelor of Divinity and diploma in Theology from Bishop Tucker School Theological College.

He was ordained a deacon in St Peter’s Cathedral, Soroti, in 1990 and a priest in 1991. He served in the Church of Uganda as a parish priest and cathedral vicar.