Patience Rwabwogo Consecrated as Uganda’s First Female Bishop

Kampala — Pastor Patience Kokundeka Museveni Rwabwogo was consecrated as an Episcopal Bishop of Covenant Nations Church at Covenant Hill in Maya, becoming the first woman ordained a bishop in Uganda.

The service, held during celebrations marking 20 years since Rwabwogo founded the church as a small house fellowship, was led by Chief Consecrator Bishop Dr. LaDonna Osborn, with Archbishop Moses Odongo and Bishop Joshua Lwere serving as co-consecrators. The rites included the laying on of hands, anointing with oil, and the presentation of episcopal symbols — the chemere, scarf, cross, cope and mitre — by senior clergy.

Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, global leader of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, travelled from Nigeria to take part, leading prayers of anointing and presenting Bishop Patience with the ring and staff.

Speaking on behalf of the church’s elders, Allen Kagina traced Covenant Nations Church’s growth from a house fellowship into a congregation known for combining spiritual teaching with leadership training, entrepreneurship programmes and youth empowerment. She also credited the ministry with promoting interdenominational unity through initiatives such as the Light Up Uganda for Jesus Gospel Convention.

President Yoweri Museveni, Bishop Patience’s father, attended the ceremony alongside First Lady Janet Museveni. The President congratulated his daughter and reflected on his own family’s religious history, noting that he was the first in his family to join the Church, in 1947. He said the occasion also reshaped some of his own understanding of scripture, citing lessons from his daughter on the biblical lineage of Lot and Esau. He urged religious leaders to ensure that Christianity addresses practical social needs such as healthcare, hunger and justice. In keeping with tradition, the President and First Lady gifted Bishop Patience 50 cows.

First Lady Janet Museveni, recently recovered from illness, described the day as one of joy and thanksgiving for the family and the wider Church, paying tribute to earlier generations whose faith had laid the foundation for the ministry.

Bishop Dr. Osborn commended the President and First Lady for prioritising their faith alongside their national duties, and said the episcopal office carries a responsibility to promote justice and transform society rather than simply preserve institutions.

Bishop Patience’s husband, Odrek Rwabwogo, situated the consecration within Uganda’s broader Christian history, recalling early converts such as Mariam Kakyibara, baptised in 1902. He said his wife’s new role would require her to guide the next generation, and cautioned against a generation that values intellectualism, political power and material wealth above faith.

The ceremony was also attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, NRM First National Vice Chairperson Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, cabinet ministers, and religious, cultural and family figures.

CHANNEL 44 NEWS