West Buganda Diocese to Elect New Bishop as Church Commemorates Janani Luwum Day

Episcopal Election Synod Set for February 14-15, 2024

The West Buganda Diocese of the Church of Uganda is set to elect its seventh bishop during an Episcopal election synod scheduled for February 14-15, 2024, in Mucwini, Kitgum District. This crucial gathering will bring together church leaders and delegates tasked with choosing the next spiritual head of the diocese.

The announcement of the elected bishop will be made on February 16, coinciding with the climax of the Janani Luwum Day celebrations, a national event honoring the legacy of the late Archbishop Janani Luwum.

Selection Process and Key Candidates

The current bishop, Henry Katumba Tamale, is set to retire on March 28, 2025, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65. To ensure a smooth transition, the diocesan nominations committee has identified potential candidates and  submitted two names to the House of Bishops, which holds the final authority to elect the new bishop. The consecration of the new bishop is scheduled for March 16, 2025.

The two candidates being considered are:

• Rev. Canon Gaster Nsereko – Archdeacon of Kakoma
• Rev. Canon Patrick Ssimbwa – Archdeacon of Sembabule

Discussions within the diocese have raised concerns over whether the new bishop should be a native of West Buganda to foster a deeper connection with the local community. However, church authorities emphasize that the selection process adheres to established guidelines that allow any qualified priest within the Church of Uganda province to be considered.

Janani Luwum: A Legacy of Faith and Courage

The announcement of the new bishop will take place on Janani Luwum Day, a national holiday dedicated to honoring Archbishop Janani Luwum, who was martyred on February 16, 1977. Born in 1922 in Mucwini, Kitgum District, Luwum rose to become the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga-Zaire from 1974 until his tragic death under the brutal regime of Idi Amin.

Luwum is remembered for his unwavering stand against Amin’s dictatorship, which led to his arrest and subsequent execution under suspicious circumstances. His courage and commitment to justice have made him a symbol of Christian faith and resistance against oppression. In recognition of his sacrifice, February 16 was declared a public holiday in Uganda to honor his legacy.

A Moment of Spiritual Reflection and Renewal

The convergence of the West Buganda bishop’s election with the commemoration of Janani Luwum Day highlights a significant moment in the Church of Uganda’s history. As the diocese prepares to usher in a new leader, the occasion serves as a reminder of the church’s mission to uphold faith, integrity, and service to its community, just as Archbishop Janani Luwum exemplified.

With expectations high, the faithful await the announcement of the next bishop, a leader who will guide West Buganda Diocese into a new chapter of spiritual growth and transformation.