Pomp, fanfare as new Masaka Catholic bishop is consecrated
The incoming Masaka Bishop Serverus Jjumba (seated) after being consecrated
MASAKA. Pomp, colour and fanfare filled the air as Christians thronged Sports Arena grounds at Kitovu Hill, Masaka Municipality on Saturday to witness the consecration of new Masaka Diocesan bishop Msgr Serverus Jjumba.
Several dignitaries, including government and Buganda kingdom officials, and thousands of Christians arrived for the occasion as early as 5am while other spent a night at the venue. Local brew vendors, mobile restaurants and portraits of the new bishop were littered on all roads to the venue.
Every item on the day’s programme was on the dot as the holy Mass kicked off at 9.40am sharp as planned. The Bishop –elect arrived at the venue in a procession led by a brass band amid cheers and deafening applause from ecstatic Christians. At 11.45am he was taken through the consecration rituals by his predecessor Rt Rev John Baptist Kaggwa and a host of prelates led by the nuncio of Uganda Archbishop Luigi Bianco.
Rt.Rev Kaggwa handed his successor a pastoral staff, miter and ecclesiastical ring as symbols of authority.
Minutes to the consecration ceremony, Fr Edward Ssekabanja, the diocesan chancellor read an official document from Rome confirming that Msgr Jjumba was duly appointed by Pope Francis.
In his speech after ordination, Bishop Jjumba promised to build on the successes of his predecessor.
“You [Bishop Kaggwa] have been good in everything, very close to everyone and I do not know whether I will be like him, but I promise to do my best,” he said amid ululations from Christians
“I promise to lay emphasis on evangelism, building self-reliance right from household level and continue to work towards good leadership at all levels,”Bishop Jjumba added.
“Be strong, courageous and serve the flock of Christ with humility and justice. It is the power of the Cross that can crush the power of devil in all aspects,” he said.
The incoming bishop will be Shepherd for more one million Catholics spread in the nine districts that make up Masaka Diocese including, that’s Masaka, Kalungu, Sembabule, Lwengo, Bukomansimbi, Rakai, Kyotera, Lyantonde and Kalangala.
Vice President Edward Ssekandi, who represented President Museveni, commended Rt Rev. Kaggwa for his dedicated service to the diocese spanning two decades.
“Bishop Kaggwa has been an exemplary leader and we hope you [Bishop Jjumba] are going to walk in his footsteps.” he said
He handed the new bishop a brand new car for his pastoral work.
The event was also graced by and a host of legislators , the chief of Defence Forces ,Gen David Muhoozi , Gen.Salim Saleh ,the coordinator of Operations Wealth Creation ,deputy Governor Bank of Uganda Louis Kasekende, Katikkiro of Buganda ,Charles Peter Mayiga ,former and current Democratic Party Presidents Paul Ssemogerere and Norbert Mao respectively .
After the ordination and speeches, guests were treated to a sumptuous lunch.
