Rukungiri District, August 24, 2025 – St. John's Kanyanga Church of Uganda (C.O.U) on Sunday marked a major milestone as it celebrated 100 years of existence in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The centenary celebration was a moment of reflection, thanksgiving, and vision for the future, attracting hundreds of Christians, clergy, and guests from across the region.

The event was presided over by the Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, who commended the church for a century of unwavering faith and community service. In his address, Bishop Asiimwe urged congregants to prioritize the education of their children and embrace coffee growing as a sustainable path to 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,” said the Bishop.

The day’s preacher, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Education and Sports, delivered a powerful message focused on gratitude to God in all circumstances, encouraging believers to recognize God’s hand in their daily lives. However, she said that works only without salvation will not lead anyone to heaven, adding on to what Mr. Henry Turyagyenda had said. She made a heartfelt appeal for individuals to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, a call that moved 25 people to give their lives to Christ during the service.

Adding a special touch to the centenary was the presence of Joy Rutasheka, a 100-year-old woman who shares her age with the church's own remarkable journey. Her life story, intertwined with the church’s history, stood as a living testament to faith and endurance across generations.

The Guest of Honor, Hon. Minister Janet Kataha Museveni, the Minister of Education and Sports, in a message delivered by Professor Mondo Kagonyera, lauded the leadership of Bishop Asiimwe, especially his efforts to revive traditional schools of Makobore High School and Kinyasano Girls High School and mobilize Christians to engage in coffee farming as a way to uplift household incomes.

As a gesture of support, the First Lady contributed UGX 10 million towards the ongoing construction of the vicarage for the parish priest, a project aimed at improving clergy welfare and supporting pastoral work in the area.

In his remarks, Professor Kagonyera also called on the local community to support Kabale University’s Rukungiri Campus, noting that “every society needs knowledge” and emphasizing that the university would serve as a center of development for the region.

The celebration was marked by a strong sense of unity and generosity. A total of UGX 40 million was collected during the function to support the vicarage construction of the parish priest.