GITEGA, BURUNDI – March 29, 2025 — Tomorrow, thousands of United Methodists from across the region will gather at Ingoma Stadium in Gitega for a momentous occasion—the installation of Bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera as the Resident Bishop of the newly formed Burundi–Rwanda Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church.
This historic event follows the 2024 General Conference’s decision to establish two new episcopal areas in Africa, recognizing the significant growth of the church across the continent. The new Burundi–Rwanda Episcopal Area will comprise the Burundi Annual Conference and the Rwanda Provisional Conference, signaling a renewed focus on mission and ministry in this region.
A Visionary Leader for a New Era
Bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera, who was elected and consecrated on March 15, 2025, during the Africa Central Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, will assume this new leadership role with a wealth of experience. Born in Nyambuye, Bujumbura Province, in 1974, Bishop Sinzohagera has served both church and country with distinction—as a pastor, theologian, and statesman, most recently serving as Speaker of the Burundian Senate.
He holds doctorates in Business Administration and Leadership, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. His deep commitment to both spiritual and civic leadership positions him as a transformative leader for this new chapter of ministry.
A Celebration of Unity, Mission, and Hope
The installation service will be a rich and symbolic celebration, including hymns, scripture readings, and the presentation of sacred items such as the Bible, Book of Discipline, towel and basin, gavel, and stole, which signify the bishop’s spiritual, doctrinal, and servant leadership responsibilities.
Bishop Sinzohagera will declare his vows to lead with compassion, wisdom, and faithfulness. In return, the people of the Burundi and Rwanda conferences will offer prayers, pledges of loyalty, and joyful affirmation.
Messages of Support from Across the Church
The service will be attended by dignitaries and church leaders from across Africa and the global United Methodist connection. Bishop Daniel Wandabula, who has faithfully led the region and now serves as President of the East Africa Central Conference, will officially hand over the symbols of episcopal leadership.
Bishop Mande Muyombo of the North Katanga–Tanganyika–Tanzania Episcopal Area will deliver the installation sermon titled “Beating the Drum of Peace”, encouraging the new episcopal area to embrace its identity and mission with courage and hope.
Representatives from the General Board of Global Ministries, the Africa College of Bishops, and other international bodies will be present, reflecting the global support for this new beginning.
A New Chapter Begins
Since its establishment in 1984 as the Burundi Annual Conference, The United Methodist Church in this region has grown exponentially, spreading across multiple countries. Tomorrow’s installation will mark a defining moment in this journey—a celebration of faith, unity, and purpose.
As the church prepares to enter this new chapter under Bishop Sinzohagera’s leadership, the East Africa Central Conference will come together in worship, fellowship, and joyful expectation, trusting God to lead them into a future filled with hope and transformation.
Benjamin Musasizi
Communications Director
Uganda – South Sudan Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church
bmusasizi@eaeaumc.org