Districts And Parishes
Kituntu District
The Kituntu District is the “door” to the Karagwe Diocese. On the way from Bukoba, Lake Victoria, or from Kampala, Uganda, via Kyaka to Karagwe and Ngara, one enters Karagwe through the Kituntu District.
The District is served by Rev. Leopold Materu and Charles Kaihura.
The word “Kituntu” has different meanings:
- As a geographical term, Kituntu refers to the high plateau of Karagwe, with an elevation of approximately 1,500 to 1,800 metres above sea level.
- Kituntu is also the name of a village between Katembe and Rwambaizi.
The Kituntu Church District has eight parishes and 41 congregations.
2. Life at Kituntu
The majority of the people in Kituntu District are farmers. They depend on crops such as:
- Bananas
- Coffee
- Maize
- Potatoes
- Beans
- Cassava
The District area is divided into fertile uplands, such as those found in Kituntu and Runyaga Parishes, and areas with poor soils in the lowlands, such as Kihanga and Rugera Parishes.
The average income is less than €300 per year.
The literacy rate is above 90% among people who have attended four years of primary school.
In terms of religion, approximately:
- 25% are Lutheran
- 40% are Catholic
- 35% belong to other religious groups, including Muslims
The Kituntu Church District has a total of eight parishes, comprising 41 congregations. Each parish is led by a pastor, while each congregation is led by an evangelist.
3. Parishes and Congregations
Kituntu Parish
Pastor: Rev. Uzima Tirumanywa
The parish consists of six congregations:
- Katembe
- Kinyinya
- Rwambaizi
- Nyabuziba
- Katwe
- Nyakigongo
Runyaga Parish
Pastor: Rev. Focus Rutaba
The parish consists of six congregations:
- Runyaga
- Muchuba
- Kagutu
- Omurulama
- Ruhanya
- Chanika
Kihanga Parish
Acting Pastor: Rev. Uzima Tirumanywa
The parish consists of seven congregations:
- Kihanga
- Mulamba
- Kishojo
- Kibwela
- Rutunguru
- Kyabayanda
- Kitengure
Rugera Parish
Pastor: Rev. Steven Jackson
The parish consists of four congregations:
- Rugera
- Nyarugando
- Omuchonga
- Mwemage
4. Activities
The activities of Kituntu Church District include:
- Regular visitation of Christians in their families.
- Conducting various Sunday services and burial services.
- Evangelism through visiting people who are unable to come to church.
- Establishing and implementing action plans, including supporting the financial department by employing a bookkeeper.
5. Projects
German partners from Biedenkopf support the District in implementing important projects concerning the environment and the people of Kituntu.
5.1 KAKAUMAKI
KAKAUMAKI (Kampeini Kabambe ya Utunzaji Mazingira Kituntu) is an environmental conservation initiative.
So far, more than 40,000 trees have been planted. However, due to droughts and rocky hills, not all of the trees have survived.
5.2 Education Support
The District supports students with school fees and other educational needs.
5.3 Pastor's House
The District is constructing a pastor's house at Kanoni Parish.
5.4 Church Construction and Expansion
The District is building and extending church buildings in various congregations, including:
- Kihanga
- Kishoju
- Nyakahita
- Ruhanya
- Kagutu
- Nyakigongo
- Kanoni
5.5 Water Tanks
Water tanks are being constructed to improve the living conditions of the people.
6. Partnership
The church partnership between Kituntu Church District and the Deanery of Biedenkopf, a Protestant Church in Hesse and Nassau, was established in 1991.
The key areas of the partnership include:
- Mutual visits
- Partnership Sunday
- Project management
- Capacity building
- Ecumenical learning
Regular evaluation of projects and exchange activities is an integral part of the relationship between the two Church Districts.
The partnership website contains information about the partnership in German, English and Kiswahili.
Kituntu is also part of the Diocese's New Life Project.
7. Contact
For further information, please contact:
District Pastor: Rev. Uzima Tirumanywa
Mobile: +255 755 457 991
Email: uzimatirumanywa@yahoo.co.uk
Email: uzimatirumanywa@yahoo.co.uk
Text: Rev. Uzima Tirumanywa