Former head of Ankole Diocese, Bishop Emeritus Tibesigwa, is Dead

Mbarara, Uganda | The Black Examiner – Bishop Emeritus Rt. Rev Dr. George Tibesigwa, former head of Ankole Diocese passed away on Wednesday, August 09 afternoon at Mayanja Memorial Hospital in Mbarara city. This information was conveyed by the Ven. Rev. Can. Nathan Bobs Mwesigye, the Dean of St James Cathedral within the Ankole Diocese. Bishop Tibesigwa had been contending with dementia and other ailments for nearly four years. At the time of his passing, he was under medical care and awaiting transportation to a hospital in Kampala.

He was consecrated as the Bishop of Ankole Diocese on September 2nd, 2007, by the former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace The Most Reverend Henry Luke Oromb.

Known as an academician and hymnist, Bishop Tibesigwa was succeeded by the present bishop of Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sheldon Mwesigwa, in 2010 upon reaching the retirement age. He was hailed as a true servant of God, a teacher, singer, academician, and a benevolent man of God who served his congregation with honor.

Born in Rugando, Rwampara district, Tibesigwa, 78, was ordained as the fourth bishop of Ankole Diocese by Archbishop Emeritus Henry Luke Orombi. He held this position for three years before retiring in 2010.

Bishop George Tibesigwa also held the distinction of being the inaugural Principal of Bishop Barham University College Kabale after its establishment in the year 2000.

Recollections from those who worked alongside him describe the bishop emeritus as an individual of unwavering integrity, diligent work ethic, punctuality, and a source of comfort. He was also commended for his organizational skills and advisory role within the Church. His mentoring and guidance were acknowledged by many, positioning him as an elder in the community.

Bishop Tibesigwa was engaged in various capacities in service to both the Church and the nation. He served as a senior presidential advisor, coordinator of North Ankole University, consultant in planning, development, management, leadership, and administration at Uganda Christian University, and advisor on matters concerning community welfare and development.

Furthermore, he assumed leadership positions such as the chairperson of the board of Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS) Uganda, Principal of Uganda Christian University, and Bishop Barham University, Kabale, among other roles.

The date of the funeral remains undecided, pending discussions with the family and the presence of Ankole Diocese Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Sheldon Mwesigwa, who is en route from Kampala. It is anticipated that the late bishop will be laid to rest at St James Cathedral, Ruharo.