Church of Uganda names new Bishops for Nebbi, Mbale diocese

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda has elected Rev. Pons Ozelle as the new Bishop of Nebbi Diocese. He replaces Rt. Rev. Alphonse Watho-kudi, who succumbed to Covid-19 in January, leaving the diocese to retired Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi, as the care-taker Bishop.

The appointment of the new Bishop was today announced during a sitting of the House of Bishops at the Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo.

Rev. Ozelle has previously served as Diocesan Secretary and Diocesan Administrator of Nebbi Diocese, Archdeacon of two Archdeaconries, parish priest, and Chaplain of several schools. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Theological College in Singapore, a Certificate in Administrative Law and a Bachelor of Divinity from Uganda Christian University (UCU).

He also holds a post-graduate Diploma in Teacher Education from Kyambogo University, and a Diploma in Business Studies from Uganda College of Commerce, Pakwach. He was ordained a deacon in 2000 and made a priest on  November 18, 2001.

“Rev. Ozelle has also served with World Vision, taught at Uganda College of Commerce and Paidha Primary Teachers’ Training College, and chaired the Boards of Governors for Uringi Secondary School and Pakwach Secondary School,” reads part of the statement.

Rev. Pons Ozelle, the 3rd Bishop of Nebbi Diocese will be consecrated and enthroned on January 16, 2022, at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Goli, according to a press statement issued by the Provincial Secretary. Rev. Captain William Ongeng

Similarly, the House of Bishops has elected Rev. Canon John Wilson Nandaah as the next Bishop of Mbale Diocese. Rev. Canon Nandaah has been currently serving as the Mbale Diocesan Secretary, a position he has held since 2013.

According to the Provincial Secretary, Rev. Captain William Ongeng, the new Bishop for Mbale will be consecrated and enthroned on December 5, at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Mbale. He will succeed the Rt. Rev. Patrick Gidudu who has been Bishop since 2008.

Originally trained as a teacher, Canon Nandaah has a Bachelor of Divinity from Uganda Christian University (UCU) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education. He has been an active member and leader of Revival fellowships and Renewal ministries since 1993 and has served in several churches as a parish priest, lectured part-time at Uganda Christian University, Buwalasi, and served as Diocesan Education Coordinator.

“Canon Nandaah married Betty Wabule in 1987 and God blessed them with four children. Tragically, in 1994, his wife died, leaving him a single father to four children. In February 2001, after consulting church and cultural leaders, he married Harriet Jackline Khaitsa. Together they have had four children, and she has been a strong partner in the ministry,” further reads a statement by Rev. Captain Ongeng.

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