The Anglican Church of Rwanda, Kigeme Diocese, on Sunday, 27 September 2026, honoured the Rt. Rev. Augustin Mvunabandi, the second Bishop of Kigeme Diocese, in recognition of his dedicated service, spiritual leadership and significant contribution to the growth and development of the Diocese. During the occasion, he was accorded the honorary title of Bishop Emeritus, marking an important moment in the history of the Diocese and its appreciation of faithful episcopal leadership.

Bishop Emeritus Augustin Mvunabandi led Kigeme Diocese from 2000 to 2017, a period of seventeen years during which he played an important role in strengthening the spiritual life, institutional foundations and mission of the Church. His leadership was characterised by a commitment to building the Church, nurturing Christians in both spiritual maturity and numerical growth, promoting evangelism, and strengthening the overall life and ministry of the Diocese.

The recognition was an expression of gratitude for his years of service and the legacy he contributed to the Anglican community in Kigeme. It also provided an opportunity for Christians and the Diocesan leadership to reflect on the journey of the Diocese, acknowledge the contributions of previous leaders and celebrate the continuity of God’s work through successive generations of church leadership.

A Legacy of Spiritual Growth and Church Development

During his episcopate, Bishop Mvunabandi placed particular emphasis on spiritual growth and Christian unity. The official history of Kigeme Diocese identifies John 15:4–5, in which Jesus teaches His disciples to abide in Him, as the biblical foundation that guided his ministry.

This emphasis reflected the importance of establishing a Church whose growth was not measured only by the number of Christians or the expansion of its structures, but also by the depth of faith, commitment to the Gospel and spiritual maturity of its members.

His ministry contributed to strengthening discipleship, supporting the formation of clergy and encouraging greater engagement between the Church and the communities it serves. These areas remain essential to the life of the Diocese, whose mission is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and contribute to the spiritual, social, educational, cultural and health development of the people.

The growth of the Church requires more than physical expansion. It calls for committed Christian leadership, effective pastoral care, responsible stewardship, strong congregations and a continuing commitment to evangelism. These priorities formed an important part of the spiritual direction associated with Bishop Mvunabandi’s leadership.

Building on the Foundations of Previous Leadership

Kigeme Diocese was officially established on 12 July 1992, having developed from the former Diocese of Butare. At its establishment, it was organised into four archdeaconries comprising thirteen parishes. Its creation responded to the growing pastoral, administrative and evangelistic needs of Anglican Christians, particularly in the southern and mountainous regions of Rwanda.The Diocese’s development has been shaped by the contribution of successive bishops who provided leadership at different stages of its history.

The first Bishop, Rt. Rev. Norman Kayumba, served from 1992 to 1999 and helped establish the foundational structures of Diocesan administration and pastoral ministry. He was followed by Rt. Rev. Augustin Mvunabandi, who served from 2000 to 2017. Since 2018, the Diocese has been under the leadership of the Rt. Rev. Assiel Musabyimana.Each period of episcopal leadership has contributed to the continuing journey of the Diocese, building upon the foundations laid by those who served before.

The recognition of Bishop Mvunabandi as Bishop Emeritus therefore represents more than an honour bestowed upon an individual. It reflects the Diocese’s appreciation of its history and the importance of recognising those whose service has helped shape its identity and mission.

Strengthening the Church’s Mission and Community Engagement

One of the important aspects of Kigeme Diocese’s mission has been the integration of evangelism with practical service to communities. The Church recognises that proclaiming the Gospel also involves responding to the social and human needs of the people.Through its ministries and institutions, the Diocese has continued to contribute to education, healthcare, social welfare, community development and the promotion of human dignity.

Kigeme Hospital, for example, has a long history connected to the Anglican missionary presence in the area. The Diocese has also been involved in supporting educational institutions, development programmes, food security initiatives, savings and credit groups, and other community-based activities.

These areas of engagement demonstrate the importance of a holistic understanding of Christian ministry, in which spiritual growth goes hand in hand with improving people’s well-being.The Diocese’s vision is to be a Church that glorifies God and blesses the nations, as expressed in 1 Peter 4:11. This vision continues to guide its commitment to evangelism, discipleship, service and community transformation.

The contribution of previous leaders, including Bishop Emeritus Mvunabandi, forms part of the institutional and spiritual foundation upon which these ministries continue to develop.

Acknowledging Faithful Service and Leadership

The conferment of the title Bishop Emeritus on 27 September 2026 was a meaningful expression of respect, appreciation and gratitude. It recognised the seventeen years Bishop Mvunabandi dedicated to shepherding the Christians of Kigeme Diocese and advancing the mission of the Anglican Church.His leadership journey remains part of the Diocese’s history, particularly through his emphasis on spiritual growth, unity, discipleship, clergy formation and community engagement.

The occasion also served as a reminder that the work of the Church is sustained through the collective commitment of bishops, clergy, lay leaders, Christians, partners and communities. Every generation has a responsibility to preserve the foundations established by those who came before and to continue building a Church that responds effectively to the needs of its people.

By honouring Bishop Emeritus Mvunabandi, Kigeme Diocese reaffirmed its appreciation for faithful service and its commitment to maintaining a culture of respect, recognition and continuity in Church leadership.

Continuing the Mission into the Future

Today, under the leadership of the Rt. Rev. Assiel Musabyimana, Kigeme Diocese continues to pursue its mission of proclaiming the Gospel, strengthening Christian faith and contributing to the development of communities.The recognition of Bishop Emeritus Augustin Mvunabandi provides an opportunity to celebrate the past while looking towards the future. It reminds the Church that its achievements are the result of years of prayer, sacrifice, service and dedication by many people.

As the Diocese continues to strengthen its ministries, institutions and partnerships, the contributions of its former leaders remain an important part of its heritage.Kigeme Diocese extends its heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to the Rt. Rev. Augustin Mvunabandi for his faithful service and significant contribution to the life and growth of the Church.

May God continue to bless Bishop Emeritus Augustin Mvunabandi, granting him good health, peace and renewed strength as he continues to serve God and His people in different capacities.

“Abide in me, and I in you.” – John 15:4