Pope appoints new Masaka Bishop

MASAKA. Pope Francis has appointed Msgr Serverus Jjumba as the new Masaka Diocesan Bishop.

He replaces Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa who has been at the helm of Masaka Diocese for 21 years. The latter clocked 75 on March 23 last year and submitted to the Pope his resignation letter.

According to a statement issued by Most Rev. Luigi Bianco, the Apostolic Nuncio in Uganda, the appointment of Msgr Jjumba came after the Pope accepted the resignation of Bishop Kaggwa.
“ The Apostolic Nunciature has the joy to announce that the Holy Father ,Pope Francis ,has appointed Rev. Mgsr Serverus Jjumba as the new bishop of Masaka,while accepting the resignation of the pastoral care of the diocese presented by Rt Rev. John Baptist Kaggwa upon having reached the age limit,” the statement dated April 16 reads in part.
Rev Bianco commended Bishop Kaggwa for his dedicated service to the Church.

“He [Bishop Kaggwa] will remain as the apostolic administrator of Masaka until the day the canonical possession by the new bishop,” he said.
Catholic bishops are expected to submit their resignation letters from pastoral governance of their dioceses to the Pontiff the moment they clock 75 years of age. However, the latter can decide to delay one’s retirement as the Church looks for a suitable successor.

During a recent function in Sembabule District Bishop Kaggwa thanked the Pope for having chosen him as Bishop and promised to continue serving the Church in other capacities in case his tenure is not extended.

“I also thank God for enabling us to reach this far during these 23 years. I ask God to continue guiding me to serve his people,” he said.
He will for long be remembered for his fight for social-economic development and open remarks on governance and political issues.
Who is Msgr Jjumba ?
Birth: Msgr Jjumba was born on July 2 , 1962 Education: After primary school at St .Augustine’s and St. Paul Primary School, Kitovu, he completed his secondary education from Bukalasa Minor Seminary ,Kalungu.

He did his philosophical studies at St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Katigondo,Kalungu. After having completed theological studies at St Mary’s National Major Seminary, Ggaba,Kampala ,he was ordained a priest of the diocese of Masaka on June 20,1992. He has a diploma in religious studies and a Master’s in Education from Makerere University.

Career:The bishop-elect served as an Assistant at Bikira Parish (1991-1993) , formator and treasurer at Bukalasa Minor Seminary (1993-2000),diocesan treasurer (2000-2014) and as vicar general of Masaka diocese (2014 to date ).

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