Clare N
The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki, has been elected the new Chairperson of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda.
Bishop Muhiirwa takes over from Bishop Reuben Kisembo Amooti of Ruwenzori Diocese, who has led the council for the past ten years.
The election follows a leadership reshuffle aimed at strengthening effective representation within the council. Pastor Dickson has been elected Vice Chairperson, a position previously held by Bishop Muhiirwa.
In other changes, Bishop James Mugenyi of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been elected General Secretary, replacing Pastor Richard Rusoke. Sheikh Swaibu Tibenda of the Uganda Muslim Council takes on the role of Treasurer, succeeding Bishop Jimmy Katuramu of the United Pentecostal Churches International of Uganda.
Additional members elected to the committee include Bishop Joseph Sanyu of World Evangelical Ministries, Pastor Charles Bamuroho, and Bishop Richard Nyakana.
Other council members include Bishop Reuben Kisembo Amooti, Pastor Richard Rusoke, Sheikh Abdul Hakim, and Reverend Father Romanos Kusemererwa of the Orthodox Church.
One of the key resolutions passed is that all elected leaders will now serve a term of two years, in line with the council’s constitution.
In his acceptance speech, Bishop Muhiirwa praised his predecessor for a decade of dedicated service, and dedicated role in promoting unity, peace, and speaking out against injustice.
He called on the new leadership team to build on that foundation by fostering unity, encouraging peaceful elections, addressing corruption, and promoting constructive dialogue among communities.