The office of the Bishop West Ankole Diocese has suspended the pastoral visits and confirmation services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rev Didas Natweta, the Diocesan Secretary West Ankole says the suspension is under the Ministry of Health and Church of Uganda guidelines.
According to the letter signed by Natweta, addressed to all clergy and Laity of West Ankole Diocese, the suspension of pastoral visits and confirmation services takes effect from 16th March 2020.
“Archdeacons, vicars, curates, lay leaders, and the entire laity are hereby informed that the suspension starts with the immediate effect and they should enforce this measure,” says Rev Natweta.
Natweta says, the weekly Sunday services and other smaller church functions will continue as always, but the leaders are instructed to strictly observe the ministry’s guidelines.
He urges all the stakeholders to ensure the use of sanitizer and other given safety measures until other instructions are issued.
Rev. Natweta further remarks that the suspension will be lifted when the environment is safe for them to continue doing the work of God.
West Ankole diocese has become the first Anglican of Uganda to suspend its church activities to prevent the spread of coronavirus diseases.
Rwanda registered the first case of COVID-19 on Saturday, becoming the second East African country to record a patient.
Rwanda announced on Saturday it had closed all places of worship and schools following the confirmation of a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) case in the country.
A statement issued by the country’s ministry of health said even other mass gatherings should be postponed for two weeks as the situation is being monitored.
The News Editor ,Reporter at Kagadi Kibaale community Radio
