Amos Betungura

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Amos Betungura
Born
Amos Betungura

1927 (1927)
Nakapiripirit District
Died28 November 2008(2008-11-28) (aged 80–81)
Mbarara
Alma mater Uganda Christian University
OccupationsEvangelist, deacon
Known forBishop
TitleBishop

Amos Betungura [1] was an Anglican bishop in Uganda. [2]

Contents

Betungura was educated at Uganda Christian University and ordained deacon in 1957 and priest in 1960. [3] He was consecrated Bishop of Ankole on 6 December 1970. He died in 2008. [1] [4]

Church Ministry and Episcopal Leadership

Betungula was consecrated as Bishop of Ankole on 6 December 1970. [5] he was the 2nd Bishop of Ankole. [5]

Under his leadership, the number of archdeaconries and parishes in the Ankole Diocese increased significantly enchancing access to Anglican worship and pastoral care for local communities. His tenure wa characterised by church growth, clergy training and expanded mission outreach. [5]

Institution Building and Community Impact

Ruharo Mission Hospital

In 1981, during his episcopacy, Betungura was instrumental in founding Ruharo Mission Hospital in Mbarara city a community hospital affiliated with the Church of Uganda that provides general care, surgical services, outreach programs and rehabilitation services across the Ankole sub-region. [6] The hospital later expanded efforts such as the Organised Userful Services (OURS) program for children with disabilities, reflecting Betungura's vision for integrated healthcare and social support. [7] [8]

Writings and Cultural Engagement

He was also known for his writings on Christian, marriage, local culture and interpretation of traditional practices through Christian theological lens. His work included books on the history of the Ankole people, marriage customs and translations into local languages, contributing to both ecclesial reflection and cultural discourse in Uganda. [9] [10] [11]

He also initiated the translation of the bible from English to Runyankore-Rukiga as it was first translated to Rutoro and Luganda. [12]

Death and Legacy

Amos Betungura died on 28 November in Mbarara after battling with prostate cancer. He was buried at St.James Cathedral in Ruharo. [13] At his funeral, President Yoweri Museveni praised him as a unifying figure who bridged religious and cultural divides and strengthened community life in Uganda. [14]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "The Observer – Uganda". observer.ug. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  2. ↑ "All Africa". allafrica.com. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  3. ↑ Crockford's Clerical Directory 1975/6 p861: London; OUP; 1976 ISBN   0-19-200008-X
  4. ↑ "Bishop Betungura Buried". New Vision. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  5. 1 2 3 "History timeline". Ankole Diocese | Church of Uganda, Anglican. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
  6. ↑ "History of Ruharo Mission Hospital – Ruharo Mission Hospital" . Retrieved 19 December 2025.
  7. ↑ "OURS Program – Ruharo Mission Hospital" . Retrieved 19 December 2025.
  8. ↑ "Ruharo Mission Hospital acquires Shs310m digital X-ray machine". Monitor. 16 June 2025. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
  9. ↑ Betungura, Amos. (1996). Obushwere n'Amagara Gaabwo. Kampala, Uganda: Fountain. ISBN   978-9970-02-024-9.
  10. ↑ "Fountain Publishers: Africa-Leading Publishing House". fountainpublishers.co.ug. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
  11. ↑ Betungura, Amos (2003). Beginnings of Prosperity. Archway Publications Limited.
  12. ↑ "Christians celebrate 55 years of Runyankole-Rukiga Bible". Monitor. 19 July 2020. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
  13. ↑ "History timeline". Ankole Diocese | Church of Uganda, Anglican. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
  14. ↑ "Museveni tells clerics to serve Christians holistically". Monitor. 1 December 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2025.


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