Uganda President Museveni's daughter consecrated as bishop

Pastor Patience Kokundeka Museveni Rwabwogo, daughter of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, has been consecrated as an Episcopal Bishop of Covenant Nations Church after two decades in ministry.

Rwabwogo, the third-born child and second daughter of President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, was consecrated on Sunday, August 23, during celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Covenant Nations Church at Covenant Hill in Maya, Wakiso District.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, renowned Nigerian preacher Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, security chiefs, diplomats and religious leaders.

The historic ceremony was presided over by international evangelist Bishop Dr LaDonna C. Osborn, who served as chief consecrator, with Archbishop Moses Odongo and Bishop Joshua Lwere as co-consecrators.

Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God also participated in the ceremony, leading the anointing with oil and prayers for the newly consecrated bishop.

Church elder Allen Kagina said Rwabwogo had been carefully assessed before being presented for the episcopal office.

“We have no spiritual, moral or ministerial impediment to her consecration,” Kagina told the congregation.

She described Rwabwogo’s journey as one that began with a small house fellowship 20 years ago before developing into Covenant Nations Church.

“Twenty years ago, God planted within her heart a vision that began humbly as a small house fellowship. What appeared small in the eyes of men carried within it the seed of a much greater work,” Kagina said.

The consecration is being described by church leaders as a significant milestone in Uganda’s Christian history, with Rwabwogo becoming the first woman to be ordained to the office of bishop in Uganda, according to multiple Ugandan reports.

First Lady Janet Museveni, who attended the ceremony with President Museveni, expressed joy at seeing her daughter take up the new responsibility.

“Today, we celebrate the consecration of our daughter, Patience, to the office of a Bishop. We are overwhelmed with joy and thanksgiving at the great honour You (God) have bestowed over us in choosing one of our children to serve You in this capacity,” she said.

President Museveni also celebrated his daughter’s elevation, saying the occasion was a major moment for the family after her 20 years of ministry.

“Today, Maama and I were very happy to witness the consecration of our daughter, Patience, as a Bishop of Covenant Nations Churches in Uganda after 20 years of ministry,” Museveni said.

The President revealed that he and the First Lady marked the occasion by giving their daughter 50 cows, in keeping with cultural tradition.

Rwabwogo had earlier described her elevation as a call to greater service, saying: “As scripture reminds us, promotion comes from the Lord. I receive this calling with humility and gratitude because it carries greater responsibility to serve God’s people.”

The ceremony brought together senior Christian leaders, government officials, family members and congregants, marking both the culmination of Rwabwogo’s two decades of ministry and the beginning of her new role as a bishop.