Rukungiri District, August 24, 2025 – St. John’s Kanyanga Church of Uganda (C.O.U) celebrated a historic 100-year milestone on Saturday, marking a century of preaching the gospel and serving the community. The centenary brought together hundreds of worshippers, clergy, and guests from across the region for a service filled with reflection, thanksgiving, and a vision for the future.

The celebration was presided over by Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese. In a keynote address, he commended the church for a century of unwavering faith and community service and urged congregants to invest in education and sustainable livelihoods, including coffee farming, as engines of economic transformation and poverty alleviation.

“As a church, our mission must go beyond the pulpit. We must equip our people spiritually and economically. Education and agriculture are key pillars,” the Bishop stated.

Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education and Sports, delivered a powerful homily emphasizing gratitude to God in all circumstances. She reminded believers that good works without salvation do not lead to heaven and echoed the call for personal commitment to Christ. The sermon resonated with many, with 25 attendees responding to the invitation to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

The celebration featured Joy Rutasheka, a remarkable 100-year-old devotee whose life story mirrors the church’s long history. Her presence provided a living testament to faith and endurance across generations.

Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni, the Minister of Education and Sports, attended in a message delivered by Professor Mondo Kagonyera. They praised Bishop Asiimwe’s leadership and highlighted efforts to revive Makobore High School and Kinyasano Girls High School. The message also emphasized mobilizing Christians to take up coffee farming as a vehicle for community uplift.

The First Lady contributed UGX 10 million toward the ongoing construction of the parish priest’s vicarage, supporting clergy welfare and pastoral work in the area.

Professor Kagonyera urged the community to support Kabale University’s Rukungiri Campus, describing knowledge as a cornerstone for regional development and progress.

The event concluded with strong community support, including a total collection of UGX 40 million earmarked for the vicarage construction project.

The centenary celebrations underscored St. John’s Kanyanga’s enduring role in spiritual leadership and community development. By tying faith to practical initiatives—education, agriculture, and local education institutions—the church is reinforcing a model of holistic growth that benefits families and the broader region.

Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe: “Education and agriculture are key pillars for transforming households and communities.”

Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda: “Gratitude to God shapes our daily lives, and salvation through Jesus Christ is our ultimate hope.”

Located in Rukungiri District, St. John’s Kanyanga Church of Uganda has a long history of gospel proclamation and community service. The centenary celebration marks a milestone in a journey of faith, education, and development.