Christians in Greater Ankole have joined believers from across East Africa to mark 90 years of the East African Revival in the region.

The five-day convention at St. James Cathedral in Ruharo celebrates nine decades since the revival reached Ankole from Kigezi, leaving a lasting influence on evangelism, education, health, and community development.

Christians from the five dioceses of the Ankole Ecclesiastical Province, alongside delegates from across East Africa, have gathered at St. James Cathedral in Ruharo for the anniversary celebrations.

The East African Revival began in Gahini, Rwanda, before spreading to Kigezi and later reaching Ankole in 1936.

Over the past 90 years, church leaders say the movement has shaped communities through evangelism, discipleship, education, and social transformation.

Retired Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi says the spiritual fire that transformed Ankole nine decades ago must be rekindled to respond to the challenges facing communities today.

Diocesan Secretary of Ankole Diocese, Rev. Canon Edson Abaasa, says much of the region’s development can be linked to the lasting influence of the revival.

He says it pioneers centered their message on Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, encouraging believers to embrace faith and abandon practices considered inconsistent with Christian teaching.

Canon Abaasa says the movement also encouraged Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and Christian witness, while emphasizing the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

Beyond spiritual life, he says the revival contributed to education, health and household development, including greater emphasis on educating the girl child, hard work, and food security.

The five dioceses of Greater Ankole jointly organized the five-day convention, which officially begins today after receiving delegates from across the region.

The celebrations are being held under the theme from Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Organizers say the theme reflects the enduring nature of the Christian message even as society continues to change.

As Greater Ankole marks nine decades of the East African Revival, church leaders are calling on Christians to rekindle its spiritual fire and apply its values of faith, discipline, education, and service to the challenges facing communities