Rugyeyo Archdeaconry: St. John’s Church of Uganda – Kashayo
Proudly anchored at St. John’s Church of Uganda, Kashayo, Rugyeyo Archdeaconry stands as a bright beacon of structural development, spiritual revival, and community empowerment within the Diocese of Kinkiizi. From its early origins as a localized prayer fellowship to its modern standing as a fully equipped administrative archdeaconry, Rugyeyo beautifully fuses relentless local evangelism with extensive community transformation.
🏛️ History and Spiritual Legacy
The historical journey of Rugyeyo Archdeaconry is tied to the post-inauguration growth of the Diocese of Kinkiizi. Moving down the hills from the mother seat at St. Peter’s Cathedral Nyakatare, early evangelists and indigenous Christians planted the seeds of the Anglican liturgy in the Rugyeyo sub-county region.
Over the decades, the central site at Kashayo transitioned systematically from a village sub-parish to a central parish, eventually gaining elevation to an independent Archdeaconry. The community’s legacy is deeply defined by its unique combination of vibrant praise and worship, active choral ministries, and strict adherence to the transformative tenets of the East African Revival (Okujunwa), which continues to inspire the laity to fund and support their home churches.
🕊️ The Generous Legacy of the late Dr. James Musinguzi Garuga
The modern infrastructural and socio-economic landscape of Rugyeyo Archdeaconry—and the broader Kanungu district—cannot be written without recognizing the immense, transformative impact of the late Dr. James Musinguzi Garuga. A distinguished entrepreneur, statesman, and legendary philanthropist, Dr. Garuga’s heart for inclusive development significantly reshaped the church and community.
- Church Development: Dr. Garuga acted as a foundational pillar for church expansion, consistently dedicating vast resources, construction materials, and financial capital to build sanctuaries, support clergy welfare, and fund critical administrative infrastructures within the archdeaconry.
- Community and Economic Transformation: Beyond the church walls, his vision for community upliftment revolutionized household economics in the region. By selflessly spearheading and investing heavily in the commercial tea sector, he created thousands of sustainable jobs for local families, provided smallholder farmers with access to reliable markets, and established essential infrastructure that lifted Rugyeyo out of rural isolation into economic self-reliance. His legacy endures as a shining example of how marketplace success can be used to advance Christ’s Kingdom and elevate human dignity.
👥 Current Administrative & Pastoral Leadership
Rugyeyo Archdeaconry thrives under a highly organized and proactive administrative framework. It is currently led by:
- The Archdeacon: Ven. Canon Eunice Maririre. Known for her exceptional leadership, deep administrative experience (having previously served at All Saints Kanungu), and passionate advocacy for family ministries, Ven. Can. Maririre brings a wealth of pastoral wisdom to the archdeaconry seat at Kashayo. Her ministry prioritizes holistic family development, lay-leader empowerment, and targeted youth mentorship.
- The Laity: The administrative vision is jointly supported by dedicated parish church councils and specialized organs like the Mother’s Union, Father’s Union, and youth fellowships, ensuring that structural development moves in tandem with spiritual maturity.
⛪ Parishes Under Rugyeyo Archdeaconry
To ensure effective, localized grassroots discipleship, the archdeaconry manages several thriving parishes, each driving evangelism and household outreach within its assigned territory:
- St. John’s Kashayo Parish (The Archdeaconry Seat)
- Burora Parish (Rev. Gad Tumwegamire)
- Kashojwa Parish (Rev. Owen Abaho)
- Bukunga Parish (Rev. Davis Kiconco)
- Nyakabungo Parish (Rev. Isabella Ampumuza)
- Kayungwe (Rev. Kenneth Twikirize)
⚡ Contribution to the Evangelical Ministry
Rugyeyo Archdeaconry contributes to the wider evangelical blueprint of the Diocese of Kinkiizi through holistic social action. Leveraging the economic legacy left by commercial tea farming, the archdeaconry models a self-sustaining church that heavily funds regional missions, church-founded primary and secondary schools, and local health initiatives. Its vibrant choir fellowships and active home-cell visitations ensure that the Gospel remains practical, accessible, and deeply embedded in the daily lives of the Bakiga community.
