Madi West Nile Diocese Unveils New Bishop’s Office
Bishop cuts ribbon on the new office block
The Diocese of Madi West Nile has commissioned a new alternative office for the Bishop, valued at over UGX 65 million and funded by friends of the Bishop, to address the severe dilapidation of the old office, which had served for decades.
According to the diocesan secretariat, the old office block was plagued by termite infestations, a ceiling that collapsed four times, and persistent rainwater leaks that damaged critical documents and created an unsafe working environment.
Initially, the diocese planned to complete the construction of the four-story Golden Jubilee office block to house the Bishop and all diocesan departments.
However, due to the urgent need for a functional workspace, the diocese opted to build the alternative office while awaiting the completion of the larger project.
During the commissioning of the new office on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the diocesan headquarters in Mvara, Nasser Godfrey, the Diocesan Secretary, described the project as an impromptu initiative driven by board members from the groundbreaking stage.
He noted that the construction was completed in just two months.
“The ceiling in the Bishop’s office collapsed multiple times, requiring replacement four times. We saw it as a risk to keep the Bishop there while awaiting the completion of the Golden Jubilee office project,” Nasser explained.
“The senior management team agreed to construct a single-room office to temporarily house the Bishop during his tenure.”
Rev. Dr. Christopher Yiki Agatre, the Estates Officer for the diocese, emphasized that the new office averted potential accidents caused by the hazardous state of the old building.
He added that the modern structure enhances the value of the diocesan headquarters.
“This new building adds to the diocese’s infrastructure, complementing existing structures in the archdeaconries. I thank the Lord Bishop for his vision and the project team for completing the work on time. We pray that the ground floor of the Golden Jubilee office is completed soon to accommodate all departments,” he said.
Rt. Rev. Charles Collins Andaku, the Bishop of Madi West Nile Diocese, commended the board for their swift decision to construct the alternative office.
He noted that the project aligns with the Church of Uganda’s 2026 Strategic Plan, which mandates dioceses to provide suitable office spaces for bishops.
“This office is a temporary solution. I have tasked a new committee to complete the ground floor of the Golden Jubilee building, which will house all staff. We are pleased to dedicate this new office to God, especially at a time when the Church of Uganda’s Strategic Plan 2026 is taking effect, with growing ministries, churches, and partnerships,” the Bishop said.
He added, “The old office is now in a condemned state. Leadership requires finding solutions when faced with challenges, and this new office demonstrates our commitment to doing good work for God’s glory.”
The old office block, in use for over 50 years and subject to multiple renovations, had deteriorated beyond repair, necessitating the urgent construction of the new facility.