Mbarara, Uganda | The Black Examiner – The funeral of the late Rt. Rev. George William Tibesigwa, Bishop Emeritus of Ankole Diocese, took place on Saturday at St. James Cathedral Ruharo in Mbarara City. Bishop Tibesigwa passed away on August 9, 2023, at Mayanja Memorial Hospital in Mbarara City.
The requiem service was led by His Grace Steven Kazimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. Milly Babalanda, the Minister for the Presidency, was the chief mourner. She was represented by Chris Rwakasiisi, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties. Babalanda expressed that the nation had lost a dedicated and hardworking religious leader who used his influence to promote peace, unity, and development. She emphasized his humility and described him as a great citizen and servant of God. Babalanda also remarked that the late Bishop Tibesigwa’s passing is a significant loss for the National Resistance Movement.
During the sermon, Archbishop Steven Kazimba Mugalu acknowledged Bishop Tibesigwa’s wisdom in conflict resolution, highlighting that his guidance in this area would be dearly missed. The Archbishop reminisced about his own time learning under Tibesigwa’s tutelage in sociology at Bishop Tucker Theological College in Mukono district.
Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa of Ankole Diocese spoke of the late Bishop Tibesigwa’s roles as a father, brother, friend, and humble servant of God. He emphasized that the deceased’s contributions to the church would forever be remembered.
Efrance Tibesigwa, the late Prelate’s wife, remembered him for his simplicity, humility, effective time management, and friendly nature.
The Office of the President contributed 88 million shillings towards the burial expenses.
A brief overview of the deceased:
Born on July 17, 1945, in Ntungamo District, Tibesigwa accepted Jesus as his personal savior in 1957. He married Efrance Mirembe on December 31, 1977. He is survived by five biological children.
Tibesigwa passed away on a Wednesday afternoon while receiving treatment at Mayanja Memorial Hospital, where he had been admitted since the beginning of that week. He had been diagnosed with diabetes. He served as the 4th Bishop of Ankole Diocese from 2007 to July 2010, succeeding retired Bishop Elisha Kyamugambi.
At the time of his election, Tibesigwa was the principal of Barham University College in Kabale. His election was a surprise following the rejection of other nominees by the House of Bishops. He took over from Bishop William Magambo, who had been appointed the caretaker by the then Archbishop of Uganda, Most Reverend Henry Luke Orombi. Tibesigwa was consecrated on September 2, 2007, in Mbarara, along with Rev. John A.M. Guernsey.
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