Gaddie Akanjuna
Gaddie Akanjuna (born 10 August 1962) is the 6th Bishop of the Kigezi Diocese in the Church of Uganda. He was consecrated on Sunday May 29th 2022 at a ceremony held at Kigezi High School Primary in Kabale town, succeeding Bishop George Bagamuhunda. Akanjuna has a background in education and theology, and his ministry focuses on missionary work, evangelism, and community development. He is committed to promoting health initiatives, securing land titles for the diocese, fostering unity among Christians, and supporting the formation of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs).
Personal Details
- Full Name: Gaddie Akanjuna
- Date of Birth: 10 August 1962
- Place of Birth: Kigata, Kyanamira Sub-county, Ndorwa County, Kabale District, Uganda
- Parents: Elikana Nkundeki (deceased) and Dorothy Ekyohangirwe
- Spouse: Jackeline Charity (married on 3 December 1988)
Early Life and Education Gaddie Akanjuna was born on 10 August 1962, in Kigata, Kyanamira Sub-county, Ndorwa County, Kabale District, Uganda. He is the son of Elikana Nkundeki and Dorothy Ekyohangirwe. Akanjuna attended Kigata Primary School, completing his primary education in 1980. He then proceeded to Bukinda Senior Secondary School, where he completed his O-Level studies in 1984. Following his secondary education, Akanjuna attended Kabale Teachers’ College and obtained a Grade III Certificate in the teaching profession.
Religious Conversion Akanjuna converted to Christianity on 19 June 1988, a pivotal moment that he credits with transforming his life. Prior to his conversion, he struggled with various personal challenges, including alcoholism and other behaviors he deemed sinful.
Career and Ministry In 1993, Akanjuna enrolled at Bishop Barham Divinity College for an ordination course, and he was ordained in December 1995 at St. Peter’s Cathedral Rugarama. His first posting was as a parish priest at Butobere Parish, where he served for six years. In 1998, he pursued further theological education at Uganda Christian University, earning a Diploma in Theology. He later returned to Uganda Christian University and obtained a Bachelor of Arts with a Diploma in Education in 2004.
After his graduation, Akanjuna was appointed as the parish priest at Kantare Parish, a position he held for seven years. On 1 October 2011, he was appointed an archdeacon and served in various archdeaconries, including Rukore Archdeaconry (2012–2016), Kikungiri Archdeaconry (2016–2019), and All Saints Church Archdeaconry in Kabale District (2019–2023).
Consecration as Bishop On Sunday 29th May 2022, Akanjuna was consecrated as the 6th Bishop of the Kigezi Diocese, succeeding Bishop George Bagamuhunda, who retired due to health complications. The consecration ceremony took place at Kigezi High School Primary in Kabale town and was presided over by Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba of the Church of Uganda.
Mission and VisionIn his maiden speech as bishop, Akanjuna emphasized his commitment to missionary work and evangelism. He outlined several key areas of focus, including promoting home cells for Bible study, supporting boys and girls brigades, enhancing health initiatives in line with government programs, securing land titles for diocesan land, fostering unity among Christians, ensuring timely pension funds for retired clergy, and mobilizing Christians to form Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs).
Personal Testimony Akanjuna has often spoken about his personal transformation and commitment to a life of faith. He describes his conversion as a moment of total joy that led to a profound change in his life, guiding him through various challenges and shaping his dedication to his religious and community duties.
ReferencesNew Vision Uganda. "Biography of Bishop Gaddie Akanjuna." Retrieved May 2024. New VisionMonitor Uganda. "Gaddie Akanjuna's Journey to Faith." Retrieved May 2024. Monitor UgandaChurch of Uganda Official Records. "Ordination Records and Profiles." Retrieved May 2024. Church of UgandaUganda Christian University. "Alumni Profiles: Gaddie Akanjuna." Retrieved May 2024. Uganda Christian UniversityDaily Monitor. "Consecration of Bishop Gaddie Akanjuna." Retrieved May 2024. Daily MonitorNew Vision Uganda. "Bishop Akanjuna's Vision for Kigezi Diocese." Retrieved May 2024. New Vision