Rev Pons Ozelle elected 3rd Nebbi Diocese Bishop

KAMPALA, UGANDA: The College of Bishops in the Church of Uganda have elected Rev Pons Ozelle, as the new and 3rd bishop of Nebbi diocese. Rev Ozelle will be consecrated as Bishop on 16th January 2022 at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Goli.

Ozelle’s election victory was confirmed on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, in a function held at the Church of Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo.

The position of Nebbi Diocese bishop fell vacant following the death of the late Rt. Rev. Alphonse Watho-kudi who succumbed to Covid-19 early this year. The late Watho-kudi had been bishop of the diocese since 2004.

Consequently, Archibshiop Kazimba appointed emeritus Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi to take on as the caretaker Bishop until a new election is held.

Rev. Pons Ozelle Biography

Rev. Ozelle was born 17th August 1969. He holds a Master’s of Divinity degree from Trinity Theological College in Singapore. He also has a Certificate in Administrative Law and a Bachelor of Divinity from Uganda Christian University, a post-graduate Diploma in Teacher Education from Kyambogo University, and a Diploma in Business Studies from Uganda College of Commerce, Pakwach.

Rev. Ozelle received Christ at the age of 24 on 19th December 1993 after hearing directly from God that if he did not repent of his ungodly ways and enter into a personal relationship with God, he would surely die at a young age, just as two of his friends had died. He was shaken by this experience and gripped with deep conviction. He immediately went to his local parish church and prayed to receive Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and Lord.

He was ordained a deacon in 2000 and then made a priest on 18th November 2001. He has served as Diocesan Secretary and Diocesan Administrator of Nebbi Diocese, Archdeacon of two Archdeaconries, parish priest, and Chaplain of several schools.

Rev. Ozelle has also served with World Vision, taught at Uganda College of Commerce and Paidha Primary Teachers’ Training College, and Chaired the Boards of Governors for Uringi Secondary School and Pakwach Secondary School.

Rev. Ozelle is married to Edna Owila, who teaches at Uringi Secondary School, and God has blessed them with four children.