The Rev. Okunya Charles Oode has been elected the 2nd Bishop of Kumi Diocese. He will be consecrated and enthroned as Bishop on 29th December 2019 at St. Philip’s Cathedral, Ngora. He will succeed the Rt. Rev. Thomas Irigei, who will retire at the end of 2019 when he reaches the Church’s mandatory retirement age of 65.
Rev. Okunya was born on 23rd November 1970 in Kumi to Elimelech and Ruth Oode. He holds a Master of Managemnet Studies (HRM) from the Uganda Management Institute, and a Bachelor of Divinity from Uganda Christian University. He originally trained as a teacher and holds a Diploma in Secondary Education from the National Teachers' College, Ngetta. He has also attended many courses, trainings, and workshops.
Rev. Okunya was raised in a Christian home. After a long struggle, however, he realized in 1991 that he "had to make a personal decision to accept Jesus Christ." He later fell away because of bad peer influence in 1999, but came back to his senses and renewed his walk with the Lord. He said, "Ebenezer! God's grace has been sufficient. I stand in faith, hope, prayer and letting the will of God take control in everything."
Rev Okunya was ordained a deacon in 2006 and a priest in 2007. He has served in many capacities from theological education and higher education to diocesan staff and parish priest. He worked as the Principal of Bishop Tomusange Theological College, lectured at Kumi University, served as a school chaplain and teacher, worked as the Diocesan Mission Coordinator as well as a parish priest.
Rev. Okunya married Christine Kedi on 13th February 2010 and God has blessed them abundantly.
The election was made by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda sitting at Namirembe Guest House, Kampala, on 7th November 2019.
Church of Uganda (Communications office)
