Deaf Ordained Priest

From: AllAfrica.com, Africa - Dec 10, 2003

New Vision (Kampala)

Florence Nakaayi Kampala

THE Church of Uganda has got its first deaf priest.

The Rev. David Bulime, 38, of the Immanuel Church of the Deaf, Namirembe, took his vow to priesthood on Sunday at St. Paul's Cathedral, Namirembe.

The Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Samuel Balagadde Ssekadde, ordained him.

Bulime swore in speech and later repeated the commitment by sign language while his wife, Rose Bulime, interpreted to the congregation.

The choir of the deaf sang hymns before his ordination.

Bulime became deaf at the age of 24 in 1989 after he had enrolled for studies at the Institute of Bankers in Kampala.

In his sermon, Bishop George Ssenabulya criticised ekimansulo (strip-tease dancing).

He said those supporting it should leave the country because Uganda needs light.

"We are in a crisis. People call darkness light; see daytime as night. They are spiritually hungry. Nothing would be performed in this country if we don't reconcile with God," he said.

Ssenabulya told the Christians to seek strength, peace and happiness in God.

"Thank God that even the deaf can speak to provide spiritual food," he said.

Joshua Izimba and Hezekiah Walusimbi were ordained deacons, and 35 confirmed as lay readers.

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