The West Buganda Diocese is celebrating a year of spiritual growth, outreach, and unity under the leadership of its seventh Bishop, Gaster Nsereko.
The milestone comes after a year of intensive ministry, during which the Bishop has sought to strengthen communities, empower Christians, and address the social challenges facing the Diocese.
Bishop Nsereko was elected on February 16, 2025, by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda during a meeting in Gulu City, succeeding Bishop Henry Katumba Tamale.
His consecration took place on March 30, 2025, in a colorful ceremony attended by church leaders, clergy, and laity who had supported him with counsel, ideas, and financial contributions.
Choosing the theme, “Consecrate Yourselves for God’s Work (Chronicles 29: 5),” Bishop Nsereko officially began his work on May 1, 2025.
Reflecting on the past year, Bishop Nsereko has registered a number of achievements, including a near-complete parish visit across the Diocese.
“We have visited 109 of the 110 parishes that stretch across nine districts, engaging communities, preaching, praying, and listening to their concerns,” he said. He hopes to reach the remaining parish shortly.
The bishop has been active beyond church walls, visiting the Kamuswaga of Kooki multiple times, offer prayers, and discuss community concerns.
Health camps have also been organized in different parts of the Diocese to improve health well-being of believers.
He has strengthened relationships with Christians appointed as Canons, visiting them at home and workplaces in Masaka, Kampala, and elsewhere, fostering dialogue and unity modeled on the early Church of Antioch, which shared meals and fellowship with its people.
In addition, he has visited households, sharing meals and spending nights with some families to better understand their daily lives and struggles.
Bishop Nsereko has emphasized interfaith cooperation, working closely with Catholic and Muslim leaders.
He has been welcomed warmly at events, including the opening of the Catholic Diocese of Masaka’s 6th Synod and community gatherings in Kayuji, where Muslims celebrated his visits with songs and arches.
Education remains a priority. Bishop Nsereko has prayed with candidates from P.7, S.4, and S.6 at his residence, offering guidance, and encouragement to help them face exams confidently.
Children also receive special attention during visits to parishes, where he engages them in play, prayer, and Gospel teachings to foster a love for school and learning.
In addition, the Bishop promotes economic empowerment, encouraging Christians to grow coffee as a means of alleviating poverty.
He inspects coffee farms during his visits, providing practical advice on cultivation and farm management.
Despite these achievements, the Diocese faces pressing challenges. Poverty is widespread, leaving some children without food, uniforms, or books.
Youth unemployment has led to risky behaviors, including excessive alcohol consumption, gambling, and land neglect, with many preferring informal businesses like Boda Bodas over productive farming.
Other social issues include high rates of HIV/AIDS in fishing communities, teenage pregnancies, and underutilized church land vulnerable to encroachment.
Bishop Nsereko has called for a proactive approach, encouraging ministers to utilize Church land and guiding communities to start small projects that can grow into sustainable livelihoods.
The Bishop’s work has extended to prisons, where he preaches the Gospel and provides aid, and to clergy retreats led by senior leaders such as Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe of South Ankole and Bishop Bukomeko of Mityana.
Major church events, including Men’s Day, Mary’s Day, and youth conferences, have been celebrated with active participation, reinforcing spiritual growth and community cohesion.
Looking Ahead
To commemorate his first year, Bishop Nsereko will hold a Thanksgiving service on March 29, 2026. The event will launch a five-year Strategic Plan for the West Buganda Diocese, aimed at addressing challenges and guiding future initiatives. Retired Bishop Hanington Mutebi will lead the service.
The event will also raise funds to complete the Bishop’s residence and office building, requiring over 2 billion shillings to replace the 150-year-old leaking house and finish the new office.
Bishop Nsereko invites all faithful and well-wishers to join in thanking God for the miracles and progress of the past year.
“Through God’s grace, this year has been remarkable. We invite everyone to celebrate, reflect, and commit to moving the Diocese forward, ensuring that the things that unite us continue to outweigh those that divide us,” the Bishop said.
ENDS.
English 