Prime
Lugazi Diocese gets new bishop
(L-R) Bishop Kakooza, Trade minister Amelia Kyambadde and EALA Speaker Margaret Zziwa at a recent function. PHOTO BY EPHARIM KASOZI
What you need to know:
Consecration. The Rev Christopher Kakooza will be at the beginning of January, 2015.
KAMPALA. Pope Francis has appointed Rev Christopher Kakooza as the new bishop for Lugazi Diocese.
He replaces Bishop Dr Matthias Ssekamanya, the founding bishop of the diocese, who clocked the mandatory retirement age of 75 three years ago.
“The Vatican media are announcing today that Pope Francis has appointed one, in the person of Rt Rev Christopher Kakooza who has served up to now as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Kampala,” a press statement from the Apostolic Nunciature in Uganda reads.
“The Rite of Taking Possession of the Diocese will be celebrated at the beginning of January 2015, the details will be announced in due time,” the statement added, indicating the date of consecration.
Praise
The laity in Lugazi have spoken highly about the retiring Bishop Ssekamanya and equally extolled the in-coming prelate, Bishop Kakooza.
The head teacher of Catholic Church-founded Mount St Mary’s, Namagunga, Sr Seraphine Amulen, said: “We are very happy for the new bishop. I am happy the Pope has allowed Bishop Ssekamanya to rest when he still has some energy. He has served the church a lot and he has a lot of concern for children and family. Bishop Kakooza is not new to us.”
Mr Davis Kafumbe, the head teacher of Seeta High School, said the Lugazi Diocese is lucky to have both bishops. “Bishop Ssekamanya has been very good to us and yet we have received another very good bishop in the name of Bishop Kakooza who I knew as a young man. As a diocese we are very lucky and blessed.”
Bishop kakooza
Bishop Christopher Kakooza was born at Nsambya hospital on November 15, 1952. His parents lived at Lusaze, Kyadondo County, in the Archdiocese of Kampala.
He was ordained priest on June, 1983 at St Mbaaga’s Major Seminary, Ggaba as one of the pioneer group of the seminary.
On January 30, 1999 he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop. His Episcopal ordination took place on April 17, 1999 at Rubaga Cathedral.
Bishop Matthias Ssekamanya
Bishop Matthias Ssekamanya was born at Luteete Health Centre on October 15, 1936, Mulajje Parish (then Kampala Archdiocese) now Kasana-Luweero.
He was ordained priest on December 19, 1965 at Rubaga Cathedral by Bishop J. Grief. Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Kampala Archdiocese on March 30, 1985 and consecrated on June 2, 1985 at Namugongo by Cardinal Emmanuel Nsubuga.
He was appointed first bishop of Lugazi on November 30, 1996.
He took canonical possession of Lugazi on February 23, 1997.
Lugazi Diocese was created on February 23, 1997 with the outgoing bishop as its First Ordinary. This territory was formerly part of the Archdiocese of Kampala.
