Among the other challenges, Bp. Naimanhye pointed out the resistance he faced when he started the construction of the bishop’s palace.
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The outgoing Bishop of Busoga Diocese Rt. Rev. Dr. Samson Paul Naimanhye Mukembo, has bid farewell to Christians of St. James Church in Jinja City, where he has conducted pastoral work for many years.
Bp. Naimanhye has told the congregation that the time of his service has not always been a bed of roses, as he has been confronted by challenges that God has enabled him to overcome.
During his farewell service on Sunday, the bishop said that his transformed system of preaching which he learned right from the university was not all the time readily accepted by believers, and that on several occasions, he registered some resistance from Christians who were still locked up in the missionary system of evangelization.
“On several occasions, the head of laity, Joel Kafuko approached me and inquired about my style of preaching. However, he got used to it and backed me up,” he said.
He however reported that he was fortunate that a big number of believers in St James Church accepted and welcomed him as he was.
“There are times I met resistance from Christians but I remained focused and asked for God’s intervention; and I am happy to report today as I am set to retire that I am only counting more successes than failures despite the challenges”, he revealed.
The bishop also reported that through his understanding of the gospel and preaching, responsibility of leading the provincial directorate of mission was placed in his hands, and that he has held that post to date.
Among the other challenges, Bp. Naimanhye pointed out the resistance he faced when he started the construction of the bishop’s palace.
“It was a good idea I thought about but many members of the laity did not embrace it; they fought it right and centre, but I succeeded. Surprisingly, I am retiring when some Basoga still hold the hatred to date” the bishop lamented.
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As the contagious political season of the general elections slated for early next year draws close, Bp. Naimanhye appealed to political actors to always endeavor to foster love of one another including their political challengers.
He however urged them to ensure that they lobby for services from the government which will benefit the local people in Jinja City so that it can transform from a local city to an admirable one matching the times of the day.
Despite their different political affiliations, Naimanhye advised, on getting into leadership, politicians should forget about the differences and put forward the spirit of Busoga, so that one voice is heard advocating for the good of Busoga. He added, “always ensure that the people in the communities you lead benefit from your leadership, and desist from counting personal gains.”
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The bishop confirmed 126 Christians whom he asked to practice what they have been taught.
The bishop’s wife, Lydia Florence Naimanhye expressed gratitude to the Christians in Busoga diocese, especially those of St. James Church, for the support shown to them throughout their pastoral work.
“You have prayed, fed, dressed and supported us in a number of ways. I cannot take all those for granted. Thank you very much, may the good Lord reward you abundantly,” she said.
She however urged them never to part ways with the Church even after their retirement, saying it has a lot of positive things to any Christian.
Ven. Can. Agrey Kasadha, the Busoga diocesan secretary, praised Bp. Naimanhye saying, under his period, he has wholeheartedly dedicated his life to the ministry with a lot of love and commitment.