Ugandan writer and activist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija has challenged newly consecrated Bishop Patience Rwabwogo to use her new religious authority to address what he describes as wrongdoing and injustices affecting Ugandans.

In an open letter shared on his social media platforms, Kakwenza congratulated Bishop Rwabwogo upon her elevation to the episcopal office but used the opportunity to call on her to apply her Christian values to issues surrounding the country’s leadership.

Bishop Patience Rwabwogo, daughter of President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, was consecrated as an Episcopal Bishop at Covenant Hill in Maya, Wakiso District, during celebrations marking 20 years of Covenant Nations Church, which she founded.

Her consecration was described as a historic moment, with reports indicating that she became the first woman in Uganda to be ordained as a bishop.

The ceremony was attended by several religious leaders, including American evangelist Bishop Dr LaDonna Osborn and Pastor Enoch Adeboye, who joined other church leaders in celebrating her new role.

Kakwenza questioned whether Bishop Patience’s new position would only represent religious honour or whether it would also become a platform for speaking against social and political challenges.

“Perhaps charity should begin at the State House Entebbe,” he wrote, referring to the presidential residence.

He challenged the new bishop to use her “shepherd’s staff” to confront what he described as abuses linked to her father’s government.

“Can you use that shepherd’s staff to beat away the demons of your father’s rule over Ugandans?” Kakwenza asked.

Kakwenza also referred to allegations of torture, imprisonment and disappearances involving government critics, saying that religious leaders should not ignore suffering in society.

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The writer, who currently lives in exile, said his own experiences had contributed to his continued criticism of the government and security institutions.

He also mentioned Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, President Museveni’s son and Chief of Defence Forces, while making claims about security operations and the treatment of critics.

Kakwenza further highlighted the situation of opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, who is currently facing legal proceedings after years of challenging President Museveni’s government.

He questioned what a Christian conscience should say about a former personal doctor of President Museveni becoming a political opponent facing court battles.

“There is something grotesquely circular about a revolution whose doctor eventually becomes the prisoner of the patient he once treated,” he wrote.

Kakwenza argued that the greatest test for Bishop Patience would be whether she can challenge wrongdoing even when it involves people close to her.

“A Bishop should recognise evil even when it shares her surname,” he stated.

He noted that members of the Museveni family hold significant influence, with President Museveni leading the country, Gen. Muhoozi heading the military and Bishop Patience leading a growing Christian ministry.

The comments came after a ceremony celebrating Bishop Patience’s 20 years of ministry, during which church leaders praised her work in discipleship, youth mentorship and community development.

President Museveni, who attended the consecration with First Lady Janet Museveni, praised his daughter’s knowledge of scripture and described the occasion as a major milestone, while also gifting her 50 cows.

For Kakwenza, however, the true meaning of Bishop Patience’s new office will be judged by how she responds to challenges facing Ugandans and whether she can speak against wrongdoing regardless of where it occurs.