Mbale Woman MP Hon. Mukhaye Congratulates Canon Eridad Milton Shissa on Election as 9th Bishop of Mbale Diocese

Mbale, Uganda – In a heartfelt message reflecting the deep ties between political and spiritual leadership in the Bugisu sub-region, Mbale District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Miriam Mukhaye has congratulated The Very Rev. Canon Eridad Milton Shissa following his election as the 9th Bishop of Mbale Diocese.

The House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda elected Canon Shissa on Friday, 30 October 2026, during a sitting at Syamalede Archdeaconry headquarters in Busia District, Bukedi Diocese. The announcement was made by the Provincial Secretary, Rev. Canon Captain William Ongeng. Canon Shissa will succeed the Rt. Rev. John Wilson Nandaah, the 8th Bishop of Mbale Diocese, and is scheduled to be consecrated and enthroned on Sunday, 24 January 2027, at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Mbale.

In her congratulations message, Hon. Mukhaye, who represents Mbale District in Parliament, hailed the election as a moment of divine favour and continuity for the Anglican faithful in the diocese. She described Canon Shissa as a dedicated servant of God whose long service within Mbale Diocese has prepared him for this higher calling. The MP prayed for wisdom, strength, humility and courage upon the Bishop-elect as he prepares to shepherd the flock, strengthen the Church and serve the wider community with integrity and love.

Canon Eridad Milton Shissa was born on 30 September 1968 and committed his life to Christ on 13 April 1996. He was ordained in 1996 and priested the following year. He currently serves as Sub-Dean of St Andrew’s Cathedral in Mbale and previously held the position of Diocesan Secretary of Mbale Diocese. He is married to Beatrice Sarah Shissa, and the couple is blessed with children.

Hon. Mukhaye’s message underscores the close relationship between elected leaders and the Church in Mbale District, where faith communities play a central role in social cohesion, education, health and community development. As Woman MP, she has consistently engaged with religious institutions on issues affecting women, youth and grassroots development through her foundation and parliamentary work.

The election of Canon Shissa forms part of a broader leadership transition within the Church of Uganda, with several bishops approaching the mandatory retirement age of 65 in 2027. On the same day, the House of Bishops also elected Rev. Canon Caleb Twinamatsiko as the 2nd Bishop of North West Ankole Diocese.

Local Christians, clergy and political leaders across Mbale and the wider Bugisu region have welcomed the choice of a familiar face who has served the diocese for many years. The consecration service in January 2027 is expected to draw large congregations to St Andrew’s Cathedral as the diocese ushers in a new chapter of spiritual leadership.

Hon. Miriam Mukhaye’s congratulations add a prominent political voice to the chorus of goodwill extended to the Bishop-elect, reinforcing the shared aspiration for a Church that continues to guide and uplift the people of Mbale Diocese.