Church confirms receiving nominees for West Buganda Bishop seat
Outgoing West Buganda Bishop Henry Katumba Tamale. PHOTO/FILE
What you need to know:
- Either Rev Canon Patrick Ssimbwa or Rev Gaster Nsereko will be chosen to succeed outgoing bishop Henry Katumba Tamale, who will retire on March 28 after reaching the mandatory age of 65
The Church of Uganda Provincial Secretariat has confirmed the selection of two nominees vying for the coveted seat of Bishop of West Buganda Diocese.
Either Rev Canon Patrick Ssimbwa or Rev Gaster Nsereko will be chosen to succeed outgoing bishop Henry Katumba Tamale, who will retire on March 28 after reaching the mandatory age of 65.
According to Rev Canon William Ongeng, the secretary of the Church of Uganda Provincial, the two nominees will be forwarded to the House of Bishops, which will convene on February 16 to choose a suitable candidate.
Ongeng noted, "It is true the House of Bishops convenes on February 16 to discuss a wide range of issues... we are yet to know whether the issue of electing a new Bishop for West Buganda will also be on the agenda."
The selection process involved the scrutiny of eight candidates, including Rev Canon Moses Kayimba, the diocesan secretary, Rev Samuel Matovu Mbogo, the head teacher of Sembabule Church of Uganda Secondary School, and Rev Can Fred Matovu, the diocesan treasurer, among others.
Rev Canon Patrick Ssimbwa, the archdeacon of Sembabule Archdeaconry (L) and Rev Gaster Nsereko, the Archdeacon of Kakoma Archdeaconry in Rakai District
According to Rev Can Ongeng, the nominations committee carefully evaluated the candidates' credentials and experience before selecting the two nominees.
If Rev Ssimbwa, 51, is elected, he will serve as the 7th West Buganda bishop for 10 years. On the other hand, if Rev Nsereko, 61, is chosen, he will occupy the office for 4 years, as per the Church of Uganda Constitution.
However, there are concerns among some Christians in the diocese that the House of Bishops may reject the two nominees due to unconfirmed reports of petitions casting doubt on their integrity and track record.
A member of the diocesan committee, who preferred anonymity, expressed, "We have seen it happen in other dioceses like Luweero... we pray that the same doesn't happen in West Buganda. We had smooth nominations, and we pray that the final process is also smooth."
The West Buganda Diocese, headquartered at Kako in Masaka City, covers eight districts, including Masaka, Rakai, Kyotera, Kalungu, Bukomansimbi, Sembabule, Lyantonde, and Lwengo. The diocese has a rich history and a strong presence in the region.
To become a bishop, a candidate must meet specific credentials, including being at least 45 years old, an ordained priest with 10 years of pastoral experience, and holding a bachelor's degree in Theology or Divinity. The selection process is rigorous, and the nominees must demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, spiritual guidance, and a deep understanding of the Church's teachings.
