Thousands of believers, friends and families convened at Makerere University’s St. Francis Chapel to witness their one and only beloved Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe being installed as the New Chaplain. The installation ceremony was presided over by His Grace Rt. Reverend Stanley Ntagali, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda on 18th February 2018. The highly colourful ceremony was graced by  Archbishops from various parts of Uganda, Archdeacons, Deacons, Reverends, other religious leaders, politicians, Makerere University top Management as well as dignitaries from the United States of America, United Kingdom and Missionaries from New Zealand and other special guests.

Officially appointed on 1st November 2017, Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe joins the ranks of a great heritage of the St. Francis Chapel’s pastoral leadership teams led by previous chaplains such as Rev. Canon Amos Turyahabwe, Canon Goeffrey Byarugaba, Canon Johnson Ebong, Canon Benon Mugarura Mutana, and Rev. Lusania Kasamba amongst others. Before a Chaplain is appointed, the Church of Uganda nominates names of clergy that are then forwarded to the University Appointments Board, which selects and appoints a Chaplain. The Chaplain is at the rank of Senior Lecturer in the University.

Looking resplendent and graceful in his pastoral robes, Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe was presented to the Archbishop for installation by the Archdeacon of Kampala Central Rev. Michael Mukhwana.  At exactly 11:30am, he was inducted as the Chaplain of Makerere University St. Francis Chapel by His Grace Rt. Reverend Stanley Ntagali. After the induction ceremony, Rev. Canon Asiimwe was then presented to the congregation and received by the Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma, the Chairperson of Council Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe and the Acting Director of Legal Affairs Mr. Goddy Muhumuza.
 
The Archbishop congratulated Rev. Canon Asiimwe upon his new role as the Chaplain and asked God to bless him so that he may be a faithful shepherd and a true friend to God’s people. He prayed for God’s Guidance and inspiration to flow through Rev. Canon Asiimwe and asked God to make him one in heart and mind for the sake of God’s Kingdom.

“May God Bless your ministry among the people of this parish. Follow the example of the good shepherd: lead with courage and guide with love; keep watch over the whole flock among whom the Holy Spirit has appointed you. Proclaim the gospel, restore the lost, encourage the faithful and build up the body of Christ. Keep in your life and ministry, the love and joy and peace which are the marks of Jesus and his disciples,” he said.

“Your love, faith and inner character have landed you this important role, so take it with utmost faith and love. I thank God for this moment. This is the right choice. God knows us all. When He was anointing you, He was looking at the inner man; He looked at how lovely your heart is. Reverend Onesimus God has called you at a time when there are many challenges. Jesus is commissioning you today to fulfil his task of serving a community with youth,” added Archbishop Ntagali.

He thanked the church and the community for supporting Rev. Canon Asiimwe since his appointment as Chaplain. The Archbishop also applauded the Makerere University Management for the cordial working relationship with St. Francis Chapel that has born fruitful results.

Upon installation, Rev. Canon Asiimwe thanked Jesus Christ for considering him trustworthy. He referred his calling to Isaiah chapter 49 when he said, “the Prophet reflects on his calling and his Ministry as Prophet to the people of God in Israel. I was first an ordinary member of St. Francis for many years, and then found myself assisting in the ministry after my ordination while serving full-time as the provincial Youth and Students Coordinator. Now God in His mysterious wisdom has called me to be the Chaplain of His Chapel and great community that my family and I have loved for many years,” he said.

In his message entitled “too small a thing” Rev.  Canon Asiimwe said that God has called St. Francis Chapel as its mission holds, to not only make disciples out of the nations for Jesus, but also equip and empower them to go and make other disciples.

“Our mission states; make disciples who make disciples for Jesus Christ. My brothers and sisters, it is “too small a thing” for St Francis Chapel to only be a place where students and graduates can come for lively worship, supportive cell groups, relevant Alpha Courses and Biblical-based sermons. This is too small a thing for us,” he intimated.

He thanked His Grace, the Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali and the Makerere University Appointing Authority for nominating him and considering him worthwhile to serve in the capacity of Chaplain. He also thanked the Chapel Council and all St. Franciscans for the warm reception and tremendous support since he assumed office on 1st November 2017. “God is not unjust, He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you helped His people and continue to help them,” said the Chaplain in quoting Herbrews 6:10.

Prior to his current appointment, Rev. Canon Asiimwe has held various church ministry roles, the most recent being Director for Youth Department at the Provincial Office of the Church of Uganda.

Commenting on his appointment, Rev. Asiimwe said, “The measure of Church should not be determined by its sitting capacity, but, by its sending capacity.” He expressed his readiness to foster the raising, equipping, and empowering of ‘disciple-making disciples’ to transcend cultures and nations preaching the good news of the Bible.

“Learning the life-skills of racial tolerance and social mediation is crucial for evangelism in unfamiliar terrain across geographic boundaries and cross-cultural circumstances. A University community the calibre of Makerere, with the highest per capita brain power in Uganda, should be known for rigorous study and application of the Bible Scriptures.” He added.

Uplifted and strengthened spiritually by the messages, praise and worship during the service, the Chancellor Prof. Ezra Suruma was happy to note that the church had evolved. By contextualizing the Archbishop’s message to Makerere University’s situation, Prof. Suruma reminded people of their important role as soldiers of righteousness serving the kingdom of God. He thanked Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe for the powerful and uplifting prayer he led the congregation through during the 68th Graduation ceremony.

“I am happy that the Archbishops are here to support Rev. Canon Onesimus in this journey of bringing more light to Makerere University. I am appealing to you for your cooperation to ensure that students at Makerere do not only receive degrees but also become people whose emotions and character turn out to be the basis of the future of this generation,” he said.

On behalf of Council and Management, the Chairperson of Makerere University Council Eng.  Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem pledged to support the Chaplain in refining the minds of students and staff.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated Rev. Canon Onesimus Asiimwe upon his installation as the new Chaplain and appealed to him to continue praying for the institution. “Makerere University is a vibrant institution; the best black university in the whole world. We shall therefore ensure that you enjoy your stay here. The task you have taken up is challenging because it is not easy to work with youth but with God’s guidance you will find it enjoyable,” he said.

The Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda Rt. Hon, John Patrick Amama Mbabazi wished the new Chaplain a successful and fruitful career path that is ordained by God to spiritually change people’s lives. He thanked the Church of Uganda for its tremendous role in initiating several development projects that have positively impacted many lives in Uganda.

In his brief remarks, the People’s Warden Mr. Peter Kizza assured the new chaplain of the support of members of the church when he said, “The people are with you. They are ready to stand with you. The shoes you are putting on now may seem to be big but we will help you to fit in those shoes.”

Article by Public Relations Office