Busoga Bishop Naimanhye to retire after 9 years of service

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His ministry, defined by compassion, humility, and unwavering devotion, has left an indelible mark on the diocese.

After nine years of dedicated spiritual leadership, Bishop Paul Moses Samson Naimanhye Mukembo is set to retire, marking the end of a transformative era for Busoga Diocese. Bishop Naimanhye’s farewell tours will culminate in December, officially ushering in a new era for the diocese.

As he prepares to pass on the mantle, Bishop Naimanhye’s ministry, defined by compassion, humility, and unwavering devotion, has left an indelible mark on the diocese. Rev David Munobwa, the Busoga diocesan information technology officer and assistant vicar at Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe, praised the bishop’s leadership as one rooted in simplicity and servanthood.

“Some bishops assume kingship when they take office, but Bishop Naimanhye has shown that a bishop is a servant of all people,” Rev Munobwa said.

Among his key achievements is the near-completion of the Bishop’s House, a project that had stalled for over 50 years due to land disputes. He also initiated a Sacco for Christians to promote savings and financial inclusion. “He donated Shs50 million to boost its capital base,” Rev Munobwa revealed.

Bishop Naimanhye oversaw the creation of two new dioceses—Central Busoga Diocese in 2017 and East Busoga Diocese in 2023—carved out of Busoga Diocese. His choice to reside in a modest home, rather than a luxurious rented house, further exemplified his values. “He not only saved the diocese rent money but also encouraged simple living,” Rev Munobwa added.

Passion for evangelism

The bishop’s passion for evangelism is widely recognised. “He championed gospel crusades, overnight prayers, and pastoral missions. His zeal led to the slogan, ‘Mission is boiling in Busoga!’” said Rev Munobwa. He also shared a personal story. “He paid for my second master’s degree at Lancaster Bible College in the US. His commitment to the education of church ministers has touched many lives,” Rev Munobwa said.

According to Mr Steven Wante, the chairperson of the Committee for Advocacy for Men in the Father’s Union, Bishop Naimanhye’s humble and approachable leadership has strengthened the Church.

“He has protected Church land, built residences for priests, and improved school performance at institutions like Busoga College Mwiri and Mwiri Primary School,” Mr Wante said.

Youth engagement

Jinja Resident City Commissioner Richard Gulume Balyaino echoed these sentiments, praising Bishop Naimanhye’s influence in growing the diocese’s youth engagement.

“He introduced end-of-month prayers, which now draw large youth crowds. Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe currently holds three packed services,” Mr Gulume said.

Mr Balyaino also lauded the bishop’s contributions beyond the pulpit. “He regularly attends public functions and communicates effectively with the wider community,” he said. In clergy development, Bishop Naimanhye has left a strong legacy by ordaining numerous reverends, including women.

Choosing female priests

“He appointed the first female dean, The Rev Dr Joy Mukisa Isabirye,” Mr Balyaino said. Bishop Naimanhye’s life story is one of resilience. Raised in poverty in Busoga, he recalls helping his father, a church caretaker, with a bicycle that had no tires or chain. “I used to roll the bicycle from Kyanvuma to Kaliro, barefoot. I reached Senior Four without shoes,” he shared. Despite challenges, he trained as a licensed teacher before joining ministry.

“At 40, I enrolled at university, studying alongside much younger students,” Bishop Naimanhye said.

He entered church leadership gradually, inspired by his father, a catechist. His personal life, too, is marked by humility and gratitude.

He recalls the loss of his firstborn child to measles, a tragedy caused by limited medical knowledge. “We thought giving water caused diarrhoea, so we withheld it. That ignorance cost us a life,” he said. He also reflects on his modest wedding: “We served posho and four kilos of meat. Our ‘cake’ was a mound of posho.

Today’s lavish weddings are a contrast,” he said. “Interestingly, our wedding chairman, then a Senior Two student, is now Mr Joshua Kitakule, the secretary general of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda,” Bishop Naimanhye said.

He expressed gratitude for his 42-year marriage to Ms Florence Lydia Naimanhye. On May 4, 2024, during the launch of Like Jesus—a book by Pastor Andrew Kawanguzi, a National Unity Platform leader—Bishop Naimanhye shared his testimony with a captivated audience in Jinja City.

In December 2023, Rev Canon Dr Joy Mukisa Isabirye announced that the bishop had successfully undergone surgery to remove a bladder tumour. However, by April 2024, his health remained fragile. President Museveni donated Shs10 million to support his treatment, but the bishop continues to battle illness. Yet, his faith remains unshaken. “The God we serve is alive. Jesus died, rose again, and conquered the grave,” he declared.

In April 2025, the Busoga Diocese officially launched the search for its next bishop. According to Section 3, Canon 3.7.22 of the Provincial Canons, eligible candidates must be at least 45 years old, hold a theological degree, and have more than 10 years of pastoral experience. The application deadline was April 25, 2025.

A servant

Some bishops assume kingship when they take office, but Bishop Naimanhye has shown that a bishop is a servant of all people,” Rev David Munobwa, the Busoga Diocesan Information Technology officer

Bishop Naimanhye at a glance