The installation ceremony of the new bishop Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA of Burundi-Rwanda Episcopal Area held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at INGOMA stadium in Gitega province, Burundi. The event was organized on the key verse from Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
The ceremony was enhanced by the President of the Republic of Burundi, His Excellency Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE accompanied by the First Lady, Her Excellency Angeline NDAYISHIMIYE, different dignitaries of Burundi government and church leaders from across the country and abroad.
Bishop Mande MUYOMBO on behalf of Africa College of Bishops and himself congratulated Bishop Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA for his election to Episcopal leadership in UMC, the bishop’s word of encouragement quoted from scripture, Ephesians 4: 11- 12. The official opening sermon was also given by Bishop Mande MUYOMBO from scripture reading Psalm 133 and Matthew 5:9. He called all Christians to beat the Drum of Peace wherever they are.
Bishop Daniel WANDABULA expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA for his election for Burundi and Rwanda Episcopal Area. “This is not only a significant moment for you and the church in Burundi and Rwanda but also a momentous occasion for the entire church in East Africa and the newly formed East Africa Central Conference”. He stated.
Bishop Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA replaced Bishop Daniel WANDABULA who has been overseeing the church since 2006 after the death of Burundian Bishop Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa. In his speech, Bishop Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA urged church members to distance themselves from anything that could cause conflicts and divisions that have occurred in the past and instead to rise up and build the church of God. He expressed his commitment to strengthening love, unity and healing of hearts among the church’s members as well as other religions and congregations in order to contribute to the development of the country. The new resident Bishop committed himself to continuing to be faithful and righteous to the Word of God, by preaching the good news everywhere and administering the sacraments as a Servant of God.
“The journey ahead is one of great opportunity, but also one of great responsibility. I look forward to working with each of you as we continue to expand the work of the Kingdom of God in this Episcopal area. I pledge to give my all to the mission of the church, to support the clergy and laity, and to be a faithful witness of Christ’s love and grace in all that we do. May God bless our work together, and may we continue to grow in faith, unity, and service”, added Bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera.
Since the installation took place in March, a month dedicated to “woman”, Bishop Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA awarded certificate of recognition to all women members of the clergy and those women serving as local church lay leaders for their great contribution for the sake of the church and God’s kingdom.
The President of the Republic of Burundi, His Excellency Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE congratulated the resident bishop for his new role of caring for God’s people. He informed those who were present that he expects progress in the church he leads because of Bishop’s diligence he knows about the Burundi-Rwanda resident bishop. The President of the Republic emphasized that the church cannot exist solely spiritually but that the new bishop should also consider how to invest in agriculture and entrepreneurship projects among their believers to increase production. He also thanked the United Methodist Church in Burundi for its ambitious project to develop an integrated sunflower project in MOSO region and build an oil and animal feed factory through the Yambasu Agriculture initiative.
Note that during the ceremony, the new Bishop Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA was presented with church symbols including the shepherd’s staff and other symbols given to him by the East Africa Central Conference chairperson, Bishop Daniel WANDABULA to officiate the beginning of his new assignment as bishop of Burundi-Rwanda episcopal area. The celebration was attended by more than 5000 people. It saw also the presence of Delegations representing the various Conferences and organizations including Rev Dee Stickley-Miner representing the General Secretary of the General Global Ministries
