Press Releases19 Jul 12

First woman bishop elected in Anglican Church in Africa

The Rev Ellinah Wamukoya was elected Bishop of Swaziland at an electoral college presided over by Archbishop Thabo Makgoba on July 18th.  

The diocese of Swaziland has strong Church of Ireland links as it is the focus of several USPG Ireland projects. USPGI director, Linda Chambers, said: ‘I am delighted to learn of Rev Wamukoya’s election. I look forward to working closely with her in the years to come.’

The Rev Wamukoya is Chaplain at the University of Swaziland and St. Michael’s High School in Manzini, Swaziland. She also serves as CEO of the City Council in Manzini. She will succeed the Rt Rev Meshack Mabuza  who has been bishop of Swaziland since 2002.

Swaziland is the first of the 12 Provinces of Africa to elect a woman. The Anglican Church of Southern Africa, which includes Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa, voted to ordain women at the 1992 Synod, which conincidentally met in Swaziland.

The diocese of Swaziland was founded in 1968. It comprises the country of Swaziland. It is divided in three archdeaconries, Eastern Swaziland, Southern Swaziland and Western Swaziland.

The Revd Ellinah Wamukoya is only the second woman to be elected bishop of a mainline church in Africa. The first was the Rt Rev Joaquina Nhanala of Mozambique elected as a United Methodist bishop in Africa in 2008.

Rev Patrick Burke
PRO USPG Ireland