New Orthodox Diocese of Mbarara and Western Uganda Created by Holy Synod of Alexandria

The Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and Africa, with the proposal & Blessing of His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II, has created a New Diocese of Mbarara and Western Uganda

The new spiritual administrative center was granted to the Uganda Orthodox Church today, October 7, 2025, with His Eminence Metropolitan Innocentios Byankatonda of Sozusa assigned to it as the Patriarchal Vicar and caretaker.

Orthodox Diocese of Mbarara and the administration of the Church in Uganda

Based on the decision of the Holy Synod of the Holy See of Saint Mark, the newly created Diocese now brings to a total of four (4) spiritual administrative centers of the Greek Orthodox Church in Uganda, namely;

Originating from the missionary efforts of Reuben Spartas Mukasa and his companions, the Orthodox Church in Uganda was officially recognized by the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa in 1946, bringing Uganda under the care of the ancient See of Saint Mark.

Initially guided by the Archdiocese of East Africa, the Church grew through missions and parishes centered at Namungoona, Kampala. In 1995, the Patriarchate established the Holy Metropolis of Kampala and All Uganda, granting it administrative autonomy under Metropolitan Theodoros Nankyama, who led until his repose in 1997.

In 1997, Metropolitan Jonah Lwanga took on the mantle of shepherding the Uganda Orthodox Church until 2021, when he also reposed in the Lord, climaxing the reign of leadership of the Church in Uganda with a spiritual leader having a full title of Metropolitan of Kampala and All Uganda.

Today, the Church thrives and continues to develop with regional Dioceses and departments overseeing pastoral, educational, and social ministries across the country, under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa.