A New Season for St Andrew’s C.O.U Bukoto Amid Diocesan Reorganisation
By Esther Nantambi
Change is never merely about structures; it is about people and purpose. At St Andrew’s Church of Uganda, Bukoto, we rejoice in being part of a living Church that continues to grow and serve faithfully.
The Diocese of Kampala has recently undertaken a significant reorganisation to enhance leadership, pastoral care, and mission across its parishes. For our Bukoto family, this new season brings both thanksgiving and transition.
We celebrate the faithful service of Rev. Canon Michael Mukhwana, who has guided St Andrew’s with dedication and vision since 2019. He will now take up a new role as the Vicar of St John’s Church, Makerere (C.O.U). At the same time, the archdeacon Makerere Archdeaconry. Churches that were previously under All Saints’ Cathedral, including:
St Francis Chapel Makerere, St Stephen’s Kitara, St John’s Kamwokya, St Paul’s Mulago, St Luke’s Mulago, St Peter’s Wandegeya, and St Nicholas Kalerwe will now fall under Ven. Rev. Canon Mukhwana, who will oversee them from St John’s Church, Makerere (C.O.U).
We joyfully welcome Rev. Patricia Laaki as the new Vicar of St Andrew’s Bukoto, with Rev. Shem Nelson Nsubuga as Assistant Vicar and Rev. Aaron Batte joining as Associate Vicar. Together, they continue the mission of St Andrew’s to be a Christ-centred community devoted to worship, fellowship, and fishing men to the Kingdom.
Understanding the re-organisation
These changes form part of a wider diocesan renewal which also includes the elevation of All Saints’ Cathedral to Deanery status and the establishment of permanent Archdeaconries across the Diocese of Kampala. But what exactly do these changes mean for Bukoto and for the wider Church?
What deanery status means
Rev. Shem Nelson Nsubuga explains that when a Diocesan Cathedral has other churches feeding into it, the senior priest in charge is called a Provost. However, when a church is made a Deanery, it is considered as large and significant as an Archdeaconry but has no other churches under it. The leader of such a church is called a Dean.
In the case of All Saints’ Cathedral, Kampala, The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye, who is serving as Provost, will become the Dean.
Mr. Ivan Naijuka, the Diocesan Communications Officer, adds;
“A Deanery is an Archdeaconry, only that it is at a Cathedral. It stands alone. Thus all churches under All Saints have been allocated a new archdeaconry. Officially, the Bishop is the Vicar of a Cathedral, but because he cannot be there all the time, someone is appointed to serve on his behalf. That person is the Dean. The title ‘The Very Reverend’ reflects the Bishop’s presence, while Archdeacons elsewhere are referred to as ‘Venerable.’”
Permanent Archdeaconries: what has changed
The elevation of All Saints’ Cathedral to Deanery status came alongside structural reforms approved during the Diocesan Synod on 15th April 2025. One key resolution was the creation of permanent Archdeaconries.
According to Mr. Naijuka, this reform was necessary for four main reasons:
- Bringing services closer to the people
The new structure allows each Archdeacon to act as the Bishop’s administrative representative, ensuring better leadership, communication, and reporting. - Better facilitation
Previously, Archdeacons lacked adequate financial support to run the archdeaconry work. Now, each Archdeaconry will have its own treasury, supported by contributions from churches within its jurisdiction. This ensures funds for ministry and local initiatives. - Permanent attachment to locations
In the past, the title “Archdeacon” was linked to the person rather than the place. If an Archdeacon moved, the Archdeaconry headquarters moved too. Now, each Archdeaconry is permanently tied to a specific location.
4. Localised naming for clarity. Archdeaconries have also been renamed to reflect their specific locations, replacing former regional names such as “Eastern Archdeaconry.” Now, when someone says they serve in Makerere Archdeaconry, their location is immediately clear.
The new Archdeaconries and their leadership
Makerere Archdeaconry- Venerable Rev. Canon Michael Mukhwana.
Ntinda Archdeaconry (Where St Andrew’s Church, Bukoto now belongs) — Venerable Rev. Capt Canon David Serunjogi
Kisugu Archdeaconry — Venerable Rev Emmanuel Kalagala
All Saints’ Deanery — The Very Rev Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye
Changes at St Andrew’s Church, Bukoto (Effective 1st January 2026)
- Rev. Canon Michael Mukhwana – to serve as the Vicar and Archdeacon of St John’s Church, Makerere
- Rev. Patricia Laaki – appointed Vicar of St Andrew’s Church, Bukoto
- Rev. Shem Nelson Nsubuga – appointed Assistant Vicar
- Rev. Aaron Batte – joins as Associate Vicar
- Rev. Sandra Musenero Wanyama – to serve as Assistant Vicar at St Janani Luwum Chapel, Kikubamutwe, Nsambya
Reflections from the Congregation
Mr. Jonathan Walusimbi Makubuya, Mission Coordinator, shares;
“Ministry is all about moving from one step to another. The Bible tells us that for the Israelites, wherever the cloud would descend, they would move; and when it lifted, they would get up and go.
Our Vicar has raised us up and trained us. Personally, he gave me an opportunity to serve. I was nobody, but he made us somebody without consulting anybody. He entrusted me with responsibilities and supported me in every possible way. To me, he has been like a father. As he leaves, I just wish him the very best, and will not forget to pray for him”
Trevor Hiire, a parishioner and media team member, adds;
“Before Rev. Mukhwana came, we didn’t know him and were anxious, but his leadership has made something lasting. Seeing his assistant Rev. Patricia take over as Vicar shows the purpose of mentorship and growth. She knows the people, the ministries, and the way of our church life and will not be starting from scratch.”
Lydia Kasujja, another parishioner, reflects;
“All change comes from God. Personally, I will miss Rev. Sandra. There’s a special connection she built with us, you could approach her without fear or pretense or first needing to organize yourself. I will deeply miss her.”
Onward matching soldiers of Christ
These structural changes remind us that God continually renews His Church for the work ahead. Every season brings opportunities to grow, serve, and bear witness to His faithfulness.
This is a time to give thanks for faithful leadership, celebrate new beginnings, and commit ourselves to walk together in unity and prayer.