By Aggrey Twesigye
www.mknewslink.com
In Mbarara—-
The Bishop of Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, has called for a renewed emphasis on revival evangelism to address what he described as declining moral standards and rising HIV infections in the region.
Bishop Mwesigwa made the call on Wednesday at St James Cathedral Ruharo in Mbarara City while addressing journalists at the opening of the 90th anniversary celebrations of the East African Revival Mission in Ankole, which will run from August 26 to 30, 2026.
He said the revival movement, which had a strong influence on communities in Ankole, has weakened over the years due to the emergence of new religious groups and changing priorities within some churches.
According to the bishop, some Anglican churches have increasingly focused on miracles, deliverance, healing and prosperity while giving less attention to preaching about sin, Christian values and the Word of God.
He linked the decline on Christian morals to sexual immorality among others, which he said contributes to the spread of HIV/AIDS.
However, available HIV statistics do not by themselves establish a causal relationship between the decline of revival evangelism and HIV prevalence.
Bishop Mwesigwa said a return to revival evangelism, alongside government efforts to fight HIV, could contribute to Uganda’s target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
He said the revival had previously transformed communities in Ankole by promoting stronger families, improved livelihoods and better education for children.
“The fruits of the revival are evident; we have about 10 people who have made 100 years plus; others are celebrating over 100 years of age,” he said, describing the longevity of some Christians as among the testimonies of the movement.
The East African Revival reached Ankole on September 2, 1935, after spreading from Gahini in Rwanda through Kigezi in southwestern Uganda.
The celebrations have brought together bishops from the five dioceses that make up Ankole: Ankole, South Ankole, North West Ankole, West Ankole and North Ankole.
Hundreds of Christians from Ankole and other parts of East Africa are converging at St James Cathedral in Ruharo for the mission.
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Most Rev Dr Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, is expected to attend the celebrations, while President Yoweri Museveni is scheduled to preside over the closing ceremony.
Other expected preachers include former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Most.Rev. Luke Orombi, Emeritus Bishop John Am Guernsey and Rev. Canon Justus Miwanda.