Masindi-Kitara Bishop George William Kasangaki Atwooki. PHOTO/STEVEN WANDERA
Masindi-Kitara Bishop George William Kasangaki Atwooki, has expressed concern over persistent poverty in Masindi District.
In an interview with Monitor, Bishop Kasangaki said: “The diocese and the community are still grappling with poverty. As I retire, I have appointed an officer in charge of poverty eradication to support the community through educational programmes, regardless of religious affiliations. I am confident he will do a good job.”
The Masindi-Kitara Diocese Bishop said the district's primary cash crop, sugarcane, has not significantly improved farmers' livelihoods, adding that there is a lack of transparency in the industry where farmers are not allowed to witness how much their sugarcane weighs and are simply informed of the measurements.
“This is unlike crops like groundnuts, maize, and beans, where farmers are present during weighing. This lack of transparency has kept our people in poverty. I urge leaders to advocate for change,” he said.
Bishop Kasangaki said during his 12 years as prelate, the church has attempted to address poverty in collaboration with government but the lack of enforcement and monitoring of extension workers is a challenge and yet these are tasked with supporting farmers.
“Extension workers must guide farmers on best agricultural practices. Currently, farmers plant crops such as coffee, maize, beans, and sugarcane on their own and apply chemicals they purchase from agro-input shops without adequate guidance,” he said.
The cleric said during his tenure, he emphasized the role of education in eradicating poverty and encouraged parents to take active steps to prevent school dropouts and early marriages.
“Early marriage, especially in Nyantozi Archdeaconry, remains a significant challenge. Some parents marry off their underage daughters in exchange for bride price, treating marriage as a commercial transaction. I oppose this practice and call for strict penalties for those involved,” the cleric said.
Bishop Kasangaki is set to retire on August 3, 2025, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65.
As he prepares to retire, Bishop Kasangaki expressed satisfaction with his efforts to ensure that all clergy in the diocese are well-trained and adequately supported. He highlighted the provision of motorcycles for each parish, enabling clergy to carry out pastoral work more effectively.
Additionally, he noted that lay leaders have been equipped with financial literacy skills to enhance their service and strengthen community engagement.
"Upon my retirement, I am proud that Kabalega College, which was founded by the Church, now awards degrees. As you know, Bunyoro Sub-region does not have a university, but Kabalega College has bridged this gap by training professionals at the degree level. We have introduced five new degree programs, accredited by Uganda Christian University. We have expanded Masindi Christian Secondary School by constructing a large dormitory for girls," he said.
He said he has been committed to doing pastoral care, which he described as extending beyond religious boundaries.
"I have visited the sick, irrespective of their religious affiliations. The legacy I leave to the community is one of dedicated pastoral care attending burials, not leaving pastoral visits solely to the clergy. I have even gone beyond the diocese. Recently, during a fellowship in Rukungiri, we visited people and engaged with them," he added.
Upon retirement, the cleric said he plans to dedicate his time to farming, tree planting, and zero-grazing on his 10-acre farm.
He emphasized that his commitment to empowering communities will continue even after stepping down from his role as bishop.
“When we retire as ordained Bishops, we don’t retire from ministry; we only step back from official duties, I intend to continue preaching the gospel, but my involvement will depend on where I am called. I anticipate that opportunities will arise within Masindi, the entire Bunyoro-Kitara Diocese, and beyond,” he said.
Bishop Kasangaki, however, noted that some government pledges remain unfulfilled. Following an incident in which his car was destroyed, President Museveni promised to provide a replacement vehicle, but it has not yet been delivered. Additionally, the President pledged to equip the science laboratory at Masindi Christian Secondary School, but the school is still awaiting this support.
Search for new bishop
The diocesan synod had appointed a 15-member committee to identify two candidates of high competence and integrity. The names of these candidates will be submitted to the House of Bishops, which will select one to serve as the next bishop.
The incoming bishop will be the third to lead the diocese. The first bishop, Rev. Canon Stanley Ntagali, served from December 19, 2004, until 2012, when he was elevated to Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. Bishop Kasangaki succeeded him in 2012 and has led the diocese since.
“As I prepare to retire on August 3, 2025, I urge all Christians to extend the same support to the incoming bishop as you have to me. The accomplishments we achieved were not solely my efforts or resources; they were possible because of your unwavering support. I also encourage the clergy to remain steadfast and continue the work we have done together during my tenure,” he said.
Several tasks await the new bishop including completing works on the Bishop’s house and the construction of the cathedral, particularly. Masindi-Kitara Diocese covers the districts of Masindi, Buliisa and Kiryandongo.
Who is Bishop Kasangaki?
Born on August 4, 1960, in Bulima Village, Bwijanga Subcounty, Masindi District, Bishop George William Kasangaki is the son of Mr Jackson Kasangaki and Ms Constance Kabahuma.
He attended Bulima Primary School and Duhaga Secondary School in Hoima.
For his Theological studies, the cleric attended Bishop Taka Theological College (Certificate in Theology), Bishop Balya Theological College, Fort Portal (Certificate in Theology), Makerere University (Diploma in Theology, 1986–1988; Bachelor of Divinity, 1993–1996), Uganda Christian University (Graduate Diploma in Education, 2001) and Master’s Degree in the UK (2007–2008).
