On 05 May 2025, during an Extra Ordinary Diocesan Council held at Muhabura View Guest House (Faith House), Bishop Mbitse Godfrey, the third Bishop of the Diocese of Muhabura, announced the appointment of three Lay Canons and three Reverend Canons, marking a historic milestone for the Diocese.

New Canons Appointed

Lay Canons:

• Mr. Sam Musominali, Diocesan Fathers Union President
• Eng. Moses Murengezi, Chairman of Muhabura Kampala Fellowship
• Mr. Tereraho John, Provincial Head of Laity, Diocese of Muhabura

Reverend Canons:

• Ven. Enock Bahati, Archdeacon of Gisorora Archdeaconry & Diocesan Chairman of the House of Clergy
• Ven. Jonath Niyonzima, Archdeacon of Kabindi Archdeaconry
• Rev. Amon Byiringiro, Diocesan Planning and Development Officer

Bishop Mbitse highlighted that the three lay Canons are the first in the Diocese since its establishment in 1990, when it was carved out from the Diocese of Kigezi. They are expected to be installed on 8 June 2025.

Clarification on First Lay Canons

In an exclusive interview, Bishop Mbitse clarified that the earlier lay Canons, late Canon John Bitung'uramye and late Canon Eliya Nkundizana, were Canons of the Diocese of Kigezi, not Muhabura.

Reverend Canons and Church Leadership

The newly appointed Reverend Canons have joined Rev. Canon Philip Muhire, the Subdean of St. Andrew's Cathedral Seseme, who has been the only active Canon in the Diocese for the past two years. Rev. Canon Muhire was the only Canon when Bishop Mbitse was elected and subsequently consecrated as Bishop on 2 April 2023.

Cathedral Construction Progress

Bishop Mbitse expressed gratitude towards the Construction and Finance Committees, as well as the congregation, for the ongoing construction of the new Cathedral. The project, which began during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, is now at the roofing stage (phase 3).

He presented bills totaling UGX 1,116,101,367, breaking down costs for girders, iron sheets, and ridges, and highlighted generous contributions from notable supporters, including UGX 50 million from Rt. Hon. Tayebwa Thomas, Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s Legislature, and UGX 10 million from Dr. Leo Mfit'Imana.

The Bishop called for increased support to complete the 3,000-seat Cathedral.