The Church of Uganda’s Kumi Diocese has postponed its Silver Jubilee celebrations, shifting the main event from July 22 to July 26, 2026, to allow more Christians and guests to attend. The celebrations, which will be held at St. Philip’s Cathedral in Ngora, were initially scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, a date Bishop Michael Okwii Esakan said would limit attendance because it falls on a working day.
Bishop Esakan said consultations and lessons from previous church events showed that weekday celebrations often attract fewer participants, especially among public and civil servants who may be unable to leave work. “After extensive consultations and learning from past experiences both within and outside our Diocese, it became clear that church events held during the week tend to attract fewer participants. Many working-class individuals are unable to attend due to their commitments at work,” he said.
As part of the new arrangement, each church within the Diocese, including Archdeaconries, parishes, sub-parishes, and chaplaincies, will hold its own Silver Jubilee service on Wednesday, July 22. Bishop Esakan said the decentralised approach is intended to ensure the anniversary is celebrated at the community level while allowing wider participation in the main celebration on Sunday, July 26.
He dismissed claims circulating on social media that the postponement was linked to a lack of funds or Ebola concerns. “I want to clarify to our Christian community that rumors circulating on social media suggesting we postponed the event due to a lack of resources or concerns over Ebola are false. Ugandans have a tendency to twist information. The reasons for this postponement have been clearly communicated,” he said.
The Bishop urged people spreading misinformation to stop, questioning claims that Ebola influenced the decision. He said the Silver Jubilee celebration is intended to thank God for sustaining Kumi Diocese over the past 25 years and recognise the resilience of the Christian community through difficult periods, including the loss of Bishop Emeritus Thomas Edison Irigei.
“Above all, we seek to celebrate God’s love and the unwavering spirit of our community despite the trials we have endured,” Bishop Esakan said. He added that the Diocese will also use the occasion to pray for continued peace, growth, and stability as it expands its mission of spreading the gospel. About 10,000 people are expected to attend the main celebration on Sunday, July 26-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
