KISORO UGANDA: Muhabura Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Mbitse Godfrey, has raised concern over increasing cases of church land grabbing, describing it as one of the major challenges affecting churches in Uganda.

The bishop made the remarks on Sunday during the establishment of a new church in Kanyabukungu Village, Gisorora Parish, Nyakabande Sub-county in Kisoro District. The land for the church was freely donated to the diocese by the family of John Gahuriro, with a formal agreement permitting its use for church development.

During the visit, Bishop Mbitse presided over the service and baptized four children.

He called on the public to desist from grabbing church land, noting that the vice is increasingly common in Uganda, where church properties are often taken over illegally. He urged people to instead seek guidance from God, adding that many churches are currently struggling due to land disputes.

Bishop Mbitse also shared his vision of establishing a church in the area to support elderly residents who previously had to walk long distances to access parish services. He commended the family of John Gahuriro for their unity and generosity in donating the land.

He emphasized that giving and thanking God is not a sign of material wealth, but of spiritual richness. He added that the Bible encourages believers to give according to their ability and willingness.

The bishop also commended Rev. Canon Bahati Enock, the Parish Priest of Gisorora Parish and Archdeacon of Gisorora Archdeaconry, for his outstanding ministry and mobilisation efforts.

“I thank Rev. Canon Bahati Enock for continuing and implementing our church planting plan that we initiated when I was Parish Priest here. Many leaders abandon the ideas of their predecessors, but you are different. Keep it up,” Bishop Mbitse said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Kenneth Rwego revealed that the idea of establishing the church dates back several years, when Bishop Mbitse—then a parish priest—made a pastoral visit to Kanyabukungu Village.

He explained that in response to the need for a nearby place of worship, the Gahuriro family offered part of their land. This vision has now been realised with the construction of St. John’s Bwera Church of Uganda, aimed at bringing services closer to the community, especially the elderly.

Rwego warned against the growing vice of land grabbing, particularly targeting church property, saying those involved risk both legal consequences and divine punishment.

“When Bishop Mbitse, then Rev. Canon, visited our home, he shared the idea of planting a church in our area. During our golden jubilee celebration, my wife Norah and I decided to thank God with something lasting and spiritually impactful,” he said.

He added that instead of donating short-term assets like livestock, the family chose to give land for church development.

According to the family, the land agreement was formally signed by Mr. John Gahuriro, his wife Norah, their children, and local authorities during the church planting service held on May 3, 2026.

Kenneth Rwego, a son of the late Gahuriro and Executive Director of Eden Mission, a faith-based organisation, praised his parents for being exemplary in matters of faith.

The family pledged to support the church’s construction by covering roofing costs for the lay reader’s house, providing 200 bags of cement for the slab, and contributing 300 bags of cement for the church building. They also committed to covering transport costs for construction materials, while their friends pledged to meet the roofing costs of the church.

In additional contributions, Bishop Mbitse and his wife, Mama Anna Mbitse, donated UGX 500,000 towards the construction. More than UGX 4 million was raised in cash, with pledges exceeding UGX 32 million.

Rev. Canon Bahati Enock also announced the parish’s contributions, including a holy table, two altar seats for church leaders, and UGX 3 million. He further introduced Mrs. Winnie Nkurikiy’Imana as the new church teacher at Bwera Church of Uganda, who began her ministry with a healing and deliverance service shortly after the main service.