Hundreds of Catholics from across Masaka Diocese gathered at Queen of Peace Shrine in Kasozi, Rakai District, on Monday to celebrate seven years of episcopal ministry of the Bishop of Masaka, Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba.
Bishop Jjumba was installed as the fourth Bishop of Masaka Diocese on 6th July 2019, succeeding the late Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa, who led the diocese for more than two decades. The thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Bishop Jjumba, while the homily was delivered by the Rector of Our Lady of Africa Shrine, Mbuye, Rev. Fr. Frederick Kigundu.
Fr. Kigundu described the bishop as a shepherd entrusted with guiding God’s people through faith and service. He thanked God for sustaining Bishop Jjumba throughout his seven years of leadership, noting his contribution to evangelisation and community development.
“We thank God for the gift of Bishop Serverus Jjumba,” Fr. Kigundu said. “During these seven years, he has strengthened evangelisation in our parishes and schools, promoted agriculture, health services, education and environmental conservation. His leadership has inspired both the clergy and the faithful to serve with dedication.”
During the celebrations, Bishop Jjumba awarded academic and pastoral scholarships to 11 seminarians to support their formation for the priesthood. He also launched a special prayer campaign seeking the beatification of Msgr. Aloysius Ngobya and Sister Amedeo Byabali.
“I encourage all Christians, especially the youth, to dedicate themselves to prayer and remain steadfast in the faith so that they are not easily led astray,” Bishop Jjumba said. “Let us also pray for the beatification of Msgr. Aloysius Ngobya and Sister Amedeo Byabali.”
The Rector of Queen of Peace Shrine, Rev. Fr. Paul Kato, together with Rev. Fr. Vincent Nakaana, praised Bishop Jjumba for his commitment to pastoral work, community development, and environmental conservation. They described him as a servant leader who has remained close to communities while promoting initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and protecting the environment.
Nyendo-Mukungwe Member of Parliament Lubowa Sseggirinya Sebina Gyavira also commended Bishop Jjumba for speaking out on social justice issues and advocating for the rights of vulnerable people.
“For the past seven years, Bishop Jjumba has stood with the oppressed, spoken for those whose rights have been violated and defended people who have suffered unlawful arrests and detention,” the legislator said. “His voice has given hope to many.”
The Head of the Laity in Masaka Diocese, Regina Nalubega Kitaka, urged the bishop to continue praying for Uganda, saying many citizens, including religious leaders, are experiencing uncertainty and fear.
“We ask our bishop to continue praying for our country because many Ugandans today are living in fear and anxiety. We need God’s peace now more than ever,” Nalubega said.
The celebration was attended by government officials, Buganda Kingdom representatives, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, and hundreds of faithful from different parts of Masaka Diocese, who joined in marking the bishop’s seven-year journey of service.
