St. Peter’s Cathedral Nyakatare is the centre of Mission and Evangelism of the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Kinkiizi, being the 1st church in Kinkiizi and where the diocesan office sits. It started as a native Anglican Church (N.A.C) under the then Mbarara Parish/deanery in the year 1915. In 1935, Kinkiizi (Nyakatare) became a parish, a deanery in 1962, and in 1977 it was upgraded to an Archdeaconry status. In 1993 Rev. Can. John Ntegyereize became an Archdeacon and Coordinator preparing for the birth of the Diocese of Kinkiizi.
According to the Church census data collected in 2014, St. Peters’ Cathedral has a total population of 1400 people (Adults and Children) who are mainly of Bakiga tribe. The major economic activity in the area is subsistence farming. Food crops grown in the area are Bananas, Sweet potatoes, Beans and fruits. Tea growing is the main cash crop in the area.
Four parishes of; St.Peter’s Cathedral Nyakatare, Kajugangoma, Kihanda and Kangarame form the Cathedral Chapter. Currently, the Cathedral is served by the Sub Dean; Rev. Can. Richard Tumwebaze, a Vicar: Rev. Loyce Kyomugasho and a Lay Reader; Ms. Forence Twijukye. Past ministers who served since 1935 when Nyakatare became a parish are listed below;
| 1. Daudi Ikuratiire (RIP) | Ag. Pastor | 1935 – 1945 |
| 2. Rev. Eliya Ndyanabo (RIP) | Parish Priest | 1946 – 1948 |
| 3. Rev. Kezironi Mutanga (RIP) | Parish Priest | 1949 – 1950 |
| 4. Shedrack Kinanga (RIP) | Ag. Pastor | 1951 – 1961 |
| 5. Rev. Can. Erinest Rutagarukayo (RIP) | Rural Dean | 1962 – 1976 |
| 6. Rev. Fred Mugyenga (RIP) | Archdeacon | 1977 – 1978 |
| 7. Rev. Can. Kosiya Banyenzaki (RIP) | Archdeacon | 1979 – 1982 |
| 8. Rev. Can. Ernest Nshakira (RIP) | Archdeacon | 1983 – 1985 |
| 9. Rev. Can. John Kilimaani (RIP) | Archdeacon | 1986 – 1989 |
| 10. Rev. Can. David Keesiga | Archdeacon | 1990 – 1992 |
| 11. Rev. Can. John Wilson Ntegyereize | Archdeacon | 1993 – 1995 |
| 12. Rev. Can. Geoffrey Izooba | Dean | 1996 – 1999 |
| 13. Rev. Can. Nathan Turyahikayo | Sub dean | 2000 – 2004 |
| 14. Rev. Can. Enos Komunda (RIP) | Dean | 2005 – 2010 |
| 15. Rev. Can. Benon Nkwasiibwe | Sub dean | 2011 – 2013 |
| 16. Rev. Can. Patrick Habaasa | Dean | 2014 – 2017 |
| 17. Rev.Can.Kenneth Kanyankole | Dean | 2018 |
| 18. Rev.Caleb Turyabagyenyi | Sub dean | 2019 |
| 19. Rev. Can. James Kabagambe | Sub dean | 2021 |
| 20. Rev. Can. Richard Tumwebaze | Subdean | To date |
St. Peters’ Cathedral perfects her Ministry following the Diocesan Mission statement; “to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, demonstrating the love of God through practical services in ways that are relevant to all people’s needs so that they can enjoy God’s total liberation”.
There are two main weekly eventful days in the cathedral;
Every Friday; From 9:00am – 4:00p.m; Fasting, Prayer and Witness for Christ.
From 5:00p.m – 6:00p.m Bible study class
Every Sunday; 8:00a.m – 10:00a.m; English Service
10:00a.m – 1:00p.m – Vernacular service.
Other services delivered include; Evangelism, Pastoral ministry, Fellowships, Guidance & Counseling, Children & Youth ministry, Women & Men ministry and Income Generating Activities (Tea & housing)
Lack of staff quarters and transport means pose a big challenge for the cathedral and these hinder Cathedral staff from perfecting the work of God in the vast catchment area of around 10Km2, especially the day – today Pastoral ministry. The few available staff accommodation needs renovation as they are all dilapidated.
St. Peter’s Cathedral Nyakatare: Our History, Legacy, and Future
As the mother church and administrative center of the Diocese of Kinkiizi, St. Peter’s Cathedral Nyakatare stands as a profound symbol of enduring faith, community transformation, and architectural beauty in Kanungu District. From its humble origins to its current sanctuary, the Cathedral represents the spiritual beating heart of the diocese.
🏗️ A Journey of Faith: The Historical Timeline
The story of St. Peter’s Cathedral Nyakatare mirrors the growth of the Anglican faith across the region, evolving over more than a century from a small local fellowship into a vibrant diocesan seat.
The Seeds are Sown (Native Anglican Church)
1915
The church began as a modest Native Anglican Church (N.A.C.) fellowship under the oversight of the Mbarara Parish and Deanery, introducing the Anglican liturgical tradition to the local Bakiga population.
Elevation to Parish Status
1935
Reflecting a rapidly growing local congregation, Nyakatare was officially designated as a full parish. Mr. Daudi Ikuratiire served faithfully as the first Acting Pastor from 1935 to 1945.
Becoming a Deanery
1962
As the gospel spread and more local sub-parishes were established, Nyakatare expanded its administrative reach to become a Rural Deanery, led by the Rev. Canon Ernest Rutagarukayo.
Achieving Archdeaconry Status
1977
The church attained the status of an Archdeaconry, establishing a firmer institutional footprint. Rev. Fred Mugyenga took office as the first Archdeacon to oversee the expanding network of parishes.
Preparation for a New Diocese
1993
The late Rev. Canon John Wilson Ntegyereize became the Archdeacon and Coordinator. His leadership was foundational in steering the archdeaconry through the transitional planning required to birth an independent diocese.
Birth of the Diocese of Kinkiizi
1995
On May 7, 1995, the Diocese of Kinkiizi was officially inaugurated, having been carved out of the North Kigezi Diocese. St. Peter’s Nyakatare was rightfully elevated to St. Peter’s Cathedral, the seat of the newly formed diocese, with the late Rt. Rev. John Wilson Ntegyereize consecrated as its founding Bishop.
🏛️ The Legacy of the New Cathedral Structure
For decades, the old cathedral structure nurtured generations of believers, but the explosive growth of the congregation necessitated a grander vision. Under the episcopal leadership of the Rt. Rev. Dan Zoreka (consecrated in 2010), the diocese embarked on an ambitious journey to construct a magnificent, ultra-modern cathedral building.
The new, beautiful structure stands proudly on Nyakatare hill today as an architectural marvel. Combining modern engineering with classic Christian aesthetics, it features:
- A vastly expanded seating capacity designed to host thousands of worshipers simultaneously during major diocesan functions and weekly services.
- Dedicated spaces for administrative efficiency, state-of-the-art acoustic setups for vibrant musical worship, and designated areas for community fellowships.
- An iconic design that serves as a visual reminder of God’s glory and the unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and unity of the Christians of Kinkiizi.
This sanctuary does not merely exist for Sunday worship; it serves as a multi-functional sanctuary where the diocesan mission statement truly comes to life: “To proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, demonstrating the love of God through practical services in ways that are relevant to all people’s needs.”
👥 Lay Leadership and Shared Governance
The Cathedral’s legacy is built on a strong foundation of shared ministry between the clergy and the laity. Currently shepherd by the Sub-Dean, Rev. Canon Richard Tumwebaze, alongside dedicated pastoral staff, the Cathedral thrives on active grassroots mobilization.
A vital pillar of this governance structure is the Diocesan Head of Laity: Hon. Eng. Sam Arinaitwe Kajojo, who acts as the bridge between the clergy and the entire congregation, ensuring that development projects, financial mobilization, and spiritual stewardship are executed with transparency and alignment.
🌍 The Legacy Continues
From a tiny thatch-and-mud roots movement in 1915 to an ultra-modern architectural masterpiece today, St. Peter’s Cathedral Nyakatare continues to anchor the communities of Kanungu in unity, stability, and peace. It remains a beacon of hope, raising leaders, transforming households through socio-economic development, and pointing the souls of Kinkiizi toward Jesus Christ.
