WAKISO — Pastor Patience Rwabwogo has been consecrated an Episcopal Bishop of Covenant Nations Church (CNC), marking a new chapter in her 20-year Christian ministry.
The consecration ceremony was held on Sunday at the church’s Maya Campus in Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District, and attracted government officials, religious leaders, diplomats and hundreds of congregants.
President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni attended the ceremony as parents of the newly consecrated bishop.
Vice President Jessica Alupo, NRM National Vice Chairperson Moses Kigongo, ministers, security officials, diplomats and Christian leaders also attended the service.
The ceremony reached its climax shortly after 2pm when American evangelist Bishop Dr LaDonna Osborn called Ms Rwabwogo forward for the episcopal dedication.
Drawing her message from Luke 4:8-21, Bishop Osborn urged the new bishop to remain committed to preaching the gospel, strengthening the Church and advancing what she described as God’s kingdom.
She later led Ms Rwabwogo through the examination, prayer, anointing and laying on of hands that preceded the formal consecration.
“In the name of Jesus Christ, by the authority of the call of God in your life, we consecrate you. We set you apart, Patience,” Bishop Osborn declared.
20 years of ministry
The ceremony also provided an opportunity for CNC elders to reflect on Ms Rwabwogo’s two decades of ministry and the growth of the church.
Church elder Allen Kagina, who presented the elders’ affirmation of Ms Rwabwogo’s calling, said CNC had grown from a small house fellowship into an established ministry through prayer, perseverance and commitment.
She said Ms Rwabwogo’s ministry had focused on biblical teaching, discipleship, prayer, worship, evangelism, leadership and community service.
Ms Kagina also highlighted her work with young people, including students and young professionals, through Bible teaching, mentorship programmes, conferences, leadership seminars and evangelistic missions.
According to the elders, these programmes have sought to help young people understand their purpose and apply their talents, education and opportunities to serve their communities.
Ms Rwabwogo was also recognised for supporting cooperation among Christian denominations.
Ms Kagina cited the Light Up Uganda for Jesus Gospel Mission as an example of efforts to bring Christians from different backgrounds together through prayer, worship and evangelism.
Symbols of episcopal office
The consecration included the presentation of several symbols associated with episcopal leadership.
Bishop Osborn explained that the clergy garment represented the responsibility to teach and apply God’s Word, while the pectoral cross symbolised commitment to Christ and his sacrifice.
A ring was presented as a symbol of covenant faithfulness to Christ and the Church, while the episcopal coat represented what Bishop Osborn described as covering and shepherding love.
The episcopal insignia symbolised spiritual leadership and vision, while the pastoral staff represented the responsibility to shepherd the Christian community.
Adeboye’s message
Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, Ms Rwabwogo’s spiritual father and one of the main preachers at the ceremony, congratulated her on the new responsibility.
However, he cautioned against treating episcopal leadership as a position of prestige, saying it comes with discipline, sacrifice and a commitment to serve.
He also said the episcopal calling should not be restricted by gender, arguing that people genuinely called to serve God should be given the opportunity to fulfil their responsibilities.
Pastor Adeboye further challenged Ugandans to practise their faith in ways that contribute to national development.
He argued that genuine faith, when reflected in people’s conduct and actions, could contribute to positive social transformation.
For Ms Rwabwogo, the consecration marks a significant transition in a ministry that began two decades ago.
As an Episcopal Bishop, she is expected to continue her work in discipleship, evangelism, youth mentorship, Christian unity and community service while taking on broader responsibilities within Covenant Nations Church.