Anglican Communion News Service

The Most Revd Henry Luke Orombi was on Sunday enthroned as the seventh Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda at a colourful ceremony witnessed by thousands of Christians including Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni.

The Archbishop-elect was led to the St Paul’s Namirembe Cathedral overlooking Kampala city by a long procession that included over 100 priests, bishops and primates from neighbouring countries.

After taking his seat near the altar, the Archbishop-elect was introduced to the congregation by the Dean of the Province, the Rt Revd Nicodemus Okille of Tororo Diocese, who announced,
“Brethren in God, we now present to you our beloved brother, Bishop Henry Luke Orombi of Nebbi Diocese, whom in accordance with our constitution we have duly elected Archbishop,” to which the congregation ululated in joy.

The chancellor of the Province, Mr Ezekiel Muhanguzi, then led the Archbishop-elect in taking his vows after which the Dean of the Namirembe Cathedral, the Revd Magala Musiwufu, enthroned him.

The transfer of authority was symbolised when the outgoing Archbishop, the Most Revd Livingstone Mpalanyi-Nkoyoyo, handed over the Primatial Cross to crown the enthronement. “Time has come for me to leave, but the work must continue,” he said.

In his charge, Archbishop Orombi praised the ministry of his predecessor and promised to build on the foundation. He cited resource sustainability as one of his key areas of focus during his ten-year stint at the helm of the 10-million strong church. HIV/AIDS mitigation and spiritual growth would be his other areas of interest.

The sermon was delivered by the Revd Sandy Millar, vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Brompton, in London. President Museveni, himself an Anglican, hailed the outgoing Archbishop for his wise leadership saying he had never experienced a problem with the “man of God”. He handed to both Archbishops gifts to facilitate their new ministries.

The Archbishop of Canterbury's congratulatory message to the new Archbishop and the Church of Uganda was also read to the congregation. A colourful reception was later held at the Mengo Primary School.

Meanwhile, the enthronement service for the Rt Revd Justice Akrofi as Archbishop of West Africa was postponed due to a technicality. The service was to take place on 25 January 2004 in Accra. A fresh date and venue will be announced later.