Archbishop Kazimba Mugalu Appoints Retired Bishop Ssebaggala as Caretaker of Luweero Diocese

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, has made a noteworthy appointment. Retired Bishop James William Ssebaggala of Mukono Diocese has been chosen to serve as the caretaker of Luweero Diocese, taking on the responsibility of ensuring continuity and spiritual leadership in the region.

https://twitter.com/Archbp_COU/status/1680165221632032768

The appointment comes after Rt. Rev. Eridard Kironde Nsubuga abdicated and handed over the Ecclesiastical authority to Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu upon making 65 years of mandatory retirement with effect from 9th July this year.

The Diocesan Chancellor declared the seat of the Luweero bishop vacant after Bishop Nsubuga relinquished his Episcopal Jurisdiction.

In the letter dated 14th July , Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu appointed Rt. Rev James William Ssebaggala the retired Bishop of Mukono to serve as caretaker of Luweero diocese with effect from Tuesday 18th July 2023 to 18th March 2024.
Kaziimba said that Bishop Ssebaggala’s roles will include pastoral oversight of the diocese on his behalf, carrying out the ministry of preaching of the Word of God, and overseeing the administration of the diocese.
He further added that the caretaker will also carry out the confirmation and baptism of both adults as well as infants.
The caretaker will also ordain priests, install canons, transfer them as well as prepare the diocese for healing and reconciliation till a new bishop is elected and consecrated as well as calling meetings for diocesan councils, Boards, and Diocesan Synods and report to Archbishop
Bishop Ssebagala’s appointment follows a request by the nomination committee for an extension of time to organize themselves and nominate new candidates for the vacant bishop seat following the nullification of Rev. Canon Kasana Godfrey Ssemakula as the Bishop-elect of Luwero Diocese.
The House of Bishops ordered fresh nominations from the Diocesan Nominations Committee within a period of one month, ending 31st July 2023.
The House of Bishops was supposed to receive fresh nominations for the next Bishop of Luwero and hold elections on 1st August 2023.
The consecration and enthronement of the 4th Bishop of Luweero was scheduled for Sunday, 6th August 2023, at St. Mark’s Cathedral, Luweero .
However, a section of Christians rejected the road map saying the process was being done in haste whereas others loyal to Rev. Canon Kasana Ssemakula also insisted that his election was unfairly nullified.
A section of Christians led by Kenneth R. Kikabi, a congregant at St. Mark Cathedral petitioned Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu demanding the nullification of the election accusing Kasana of siring a child outside the wedlock in contravention of the Ten Commandments and canon laws.