By Robert Nsubuga
Hundreds of Christians from across the Diocese of Masaka and beyond gathered at Queen of Peace Church-Kasozi Parish, Rakai District, on Monday to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the episcopal ministry of the Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba.
The thanksgiving Mass commemorated Bishop Jjumba’s installation as the fourth Bishop of Masaka Diocese on July 6, 2019, when he succeeded the late Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Jjumba, while the Parish Priest of Mbuye Parish, Rev. Fr. Frederick Kigundu, delivered the homily.
In his homily, Fr. Kigundu described the office of a bishop as central to the life and mission of the Catholic Church and thanked God for sustaining Bishop Jjumba throughout seven years of pastoral leadership.
He praised the bishop for strengthening evangelisation in parishes, villages, and schools, while championing community development initiatives in agriculture, healthcare, education, and sanitation across the diocese.
“As a shepherd, a bishop is called not only to preach the Gospel but also to guide the faithful towards holistic development,” Fr. Kigundu said.
During the celebration, Bishop Jjumba commissioned eleven seminarians to continue their formation for the priesthood, encouraging them to remain faithful to their vocation and serve the Church with dedication.
The bishop also launched a new prayer seeking the beatification and eventual canonisation of Msgr. Aloiziyo Ngobya and Sister Amedeo Byabali. He urged Christians, particularly young people, to embrace the prayer and remain steadfast in their faith despite the challenges facing society.
Several speakers paid tribute to Bishop Jjumba’s leadership and service to both the Church and the wider community.
The Parish Priest of Kasozi Parish, Rev. Fr. Paul Kato, together with Rev. Fr. Vincent Nakaana, commended the bishop for his commitment to pastoral care, support for development programmes, and advocacy for environmental conservation.
Speaking on behalf of Members of Parliament, Nyendo–Mukungwe MP Lubowa Ssebiina Gyavira praised Bishop Jjumba for consistently defending human rights throughout his episcopate, particularly by speaking out against torture and advocating for the rights of people in detention.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Laity in Masaka Diocese, Regina Nalubega Kitaka, appealed to Bishop Jjumba to continue praying for Uganda, noting that many citizens, including religious leaders, were living in fear and uncertainty because of the country’s prevailing situation.
In his remarks, Bishop Jjumba expressed gratitude to God for the gift of seven years of service and thanked priests, religious, and the faithful for their unwavering support throughout his ministry.
The thanksgiving celebration attracted a wide range of dignitaries, including officials from the central government and the Buganda Kingdom, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, and hundreds of Christians from different parts of the country, underscoring the significance of the occasion in the life of the Diocese of Masaka.
English 