Mbale Christians Celebrate Election of New Bishop

What the report says

Christians at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Mbale have welcomed the election of Canon Eridad Milton Shissa as the ninth bishop of Mbale Diocese, according to Nile Post. The announcement sparked celebrations at the cathedral, where clergy and congregants sang, danced and praised the outcome as a new phase in the diocese’s leadership.

Shissa currently serves as sub-dean of St Andrew’s Cathedral. He was elected alongside Reverend Canon Caleb Twinamatsiko, who is set to become the second bishop of North West Ankole Diocese. The elections were conducted by the Church of Uganda House of Bishops at Syamalede Archdeaconry headquarters in Busia District, Bukedi Diocese.

In remarks reported by Nile Post, the bishop-elect said the result came as a surprise, but he accepted it as God’s will. He said he hopes to build on the work of his predecessors and place emphasis on strengthening families, counselling couples and supporting young people. Supporters quoted in the article described him as a hopeful and steady church leader.

Nile Post also outlined Shissa’s background: born in Bududa District, he studied at Bududa Secondary School and Bukucheke Secondary School, later earning theological and academic qualifications from Bishop Tucker Theological College, Makerere University and Uganda Christian University. He was ordained in 1996 and priested in 1997. His consecration and enthronement are expected on January 24, 2027, at St Andrew’s Cathedral, where he will succeed Bishop John Wilson Nandaah.