Clare
Ahead of the Council of Laity Elections, the Ordinary of Fort Portal Diocese, Rt. Rev Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, has urged Christians to vote for candidates who are genuinely passionate about Catholic Church service, love God, and show respect for Church authority.
According to the program seen by our reporter, the election process will begin with the Small Christian Communities on February 9th, followed by Village Chapels on February 23rd, Sub-Parish elections on March 2nd, Parish elections by March 16th, and finally the Diocesan level elections in April 2025.
Bishop Muhiirwa has stressed the importance of minimum educational qualifications for leaders at all levels, emphasizing that those entrusted with leadership roles must be equipped to address modern challenges that require literacy.
Qualifications
At the Small Christian Community level, leaders should have at least a Primary Leaving Examination (P.L.E.) certificate. Village Chapel leaders should hold a Secondary School (S.4) certificate or its equivalent, while Sub-Parish leaders should have at least a Secondary School (S.4) certificate or its equivalent. Parish leaders are required to have a Diploma or its equivalent, and those aspiring to lead at the Diocesan level must hold a Degree in any field.
The Bishop is confident that these qualifications will ensure capable and effective leadership at all levels. Calling on Deans and Parish Priests to actively supervise and engage in the election process.
After successfully completing the elections, the induction of all elected leaders is expected to take place in June, July, and May 2025.
