Ankole Diocese is preparing for a leadership transition in 2027, when the current Bishop, the Rt Rev Sheldon Mwesigwa, is expected to retire after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65.

The diocese constituted a 15-member search committee to identify potential candidates to succeed Bishop Mwesigwa. The process is already underway.

Bishop Mwesigwa revealed this while addressing journalists after a Diocesan Council meeting at St James Cathedral, Ruharo.

He said the committee is chaired by the Diocesan Chancellor, Dr Benson Tusasirwe, and comprises members from both the clergy and the laity.

The Bishop described the committee members as people of integrity, knowledge and strong Christian values, expressing confidence in their ability to handle the assignment.

He said the committee would conduct its work in accordance with the Church of Uganda Provincial Constitution and other provincial canons governing the election of bishops.

The committee is expected to identify and submit two candidates to the House of Bishops, which will select one to become the next Bishop of Ankole Diocese.

Bishop Mwesigwa is among several Church of Uganda bishops expected to retire in 2027.

Others include Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, who heads the Church of Uganda Province; the Bishop of Kinkizi Diocese, Rt Rev Dan Zoreka; the Bishop of Central Busoga Diocese, Rt Rev Patrick Wakula; the Bishop of Mbale Diocese, Rt Rev John Wilson Nandaah; the Bishop of Kigezi Diocese, Rt Rev Gaddie Akanjuna; and the Bishop of North West Ankole Diocese, Rt Rev Amos Magezi.

The Church of Uganda Provincial Constitution requires serving bishops and the Archbishop to retire upon attaining the age of 65.