Kampala — SOME say he is simple, young, attentive, and God-loving. To others he is composed, soft spoken and very intelligent!

That is the Rev. Canon Patrick Kyaligonza, the new Bishop-elect of Rwenzori diocese. In a few months he will take over seat as the youngest Bishop ever elected in Uganda.

He was elected by the council of Bishops in September to replace the current Bishop Rt. Rev. Benezeri Tibenderana who will be retiring early next year.

"This is God's calling and I will diligently do his work. Church ministry is always about commitment," the man of God confidently says.

The father of three, describes himself as "an ordinary priest in the church of God chosen to protect and preach the scriptures."

Born to a Reverend, Ernard Kyaligonza and Beatrace, of Rwenyana village, kyenjojo district, Canon Kyaligonza is the fifth of nine children.

However, other than his sister who is a lay-reader in kaihura church of Uganda in kyenjojo, all the others did not join church work. The call for church work crossed his way, at the age of 19 but he was told to wait.

"They said I was still too young to do church ministry, so I joined a different profession, as I waited for the right time."

He went to Can. Apollo Teachers College and later taught at Nyarukoma primary school. But he says: "The call for church work, kept ringing in my head, and I was determined to achieve it."

After two years of teaching, Rev. Kyaligonza joined Bishop Barya Theoretical College in Fort portal and later Uganda Christian University where he attained a Bachelors degree in Divinity.

Rev. Kyaligonza rose through ranks to become a parish priest of Mukubo in Fort portal, where he served for six years from 1995. He also served as the diocesan treasurer for 13 years, education coordinator and at one time diocesan secretary.

He is currently doing a doctorate in Church ministry at the Trinity Episcopal school of Ministry, in United States, but in conjunction with Uganda Christian University-Mukono.

His diocese is one of the oldest in the Province of Uganda. Rwenzori Diocese in Western Uganda, was started in 1960, and was curved out of the Diocese of Uganda. Today, it holds 124 parishes with over 900 churches, covering four districts. Top on Kyaligonza's targets is to uplift the youth in the diocese, to do God's work.

"It is time we got the youth involved in church work as a way of keeping a strong flock. They are turning to cults and other different faiths, just because little attention has been paid to them in church."

The new Bishop elect regularly draws huge crowds during surmons. Infact his popularity is satirically compared to that of a music star. He is just appealing in his work.

According to his wife, Rev. Kyaligonza is too devoted that at times he does a lot of the Lord's work, without minding about his health.

But he is a family man. Rose Kyaligonza, whom he wedded in 1999, says the the Canon is a loving husband and a man of few words,but moreso a prayer warrior. Other church leaders also believe in his faith and always come to pray with him. "I was happy when I learnt that he had been elected Bishop."

Called a soft-spoken man, by many in his flock, his attitude nonetheless represent a deep-rooted church leader, ready to revamp the Anglican Church; He is also opposed to the teachings that are misinterpreting the scriptures, like those justifying homosexuality.

A missionary from the United States, Sandra Earixson, says the Bishop-elect is "a man of the people."

"He is wise, humble and loves God. People love being around him. I know many might have been surprised when he was elected Bishop, but they were also very excited," explains Earixson who has stayed close to the Bishop-elect."

Young people always seem to heighten the Bishop-elect's hope and zeal to serve. Well, they nowhave a reason to celebrate.

"I want to make sure that the youth are involved more in church work. They should not be sidelined, if we are to strengthen the Church" Kyaligonza insists.

Rev. Kyaligonza's growing power could strengthen the youth in the Province of Uganda.