INSTALLATION OF PAUL SSEMOGERERE

Presented by Joseph Kizza

(Pictorial contributions by Mpalanyi Ssentongo, Juliet Lukwago, Ponsiano Nsimbi and Joseph Makumbi)

(Scroll down the page for earlier updates)

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2:50 pm

That brings us to the end of this installation commentary. Thanks for joining along and wishing Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere all the very best in his new pastoral chapter.

Be blessed, everyone!

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2:47 pm

"Allow me to sincerely thank His Excellency, the President, and the organs of the central government for the closeness to the Archdiocese of Kampala," says Archbishop Ssemogerere.

He thanks the President for his contribution and support to the ceremony of installation plus the gift of a car to help with his work.

"The Archdiocese of Kampala will continue to work with you in order to promote development of the human person," says Ssemogerere.

He extends his gratitude to other entities and stakeholders, including Buganda Kingdom, the people of Kasana-Luwero, the people of Kampala Archdiocese for welcoming him warmly, the organizing committee of the ceremony, the media, all donors, the religious fraternity and Ugandans at large.

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2:45 pm

In his message, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere thanks Pope Francis for appointing for Kampala Archdiocese a shepherd (himself).

"We promise our continued obedience to the Holy See and unity with him [Pope Francis]. Your Excellency, the Apostolic Nuncio, thank you for your closeness to Kampala (...) and for representing the Holy Father in person at this ceremonial installation. We promise to continue collaborating with you in the work for God, that God has entrusted you with.

"I would like to sincerely thank the late Archbishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, who is buried in this cathedral, and whom we believe to be with us. We thank the Lord who gave him to us for his long and tireless ministry as pastor of Kampala Archdiocese, his faith and the development he initiated aiming at the growth of the integral human person. (...) We promise to carry on his work that he started."

Ssemogerere says he emulates Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, "a father to me and to many of us", and thanks him for the "long and dedicated ministry you have done among us and I am confident you continue to pray for us".

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2:40 pm

Here is President Museveni's gift to Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere for his pastoral work . . .

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2:33 pm

The pope's envoy to Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco, congratulates Ssemogerere upon his installation as archbishop - and wishes him all the best.

In a special way, the papal nuncio also pays tribute to the late Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga for his contribution to the Church. Lwanga interred inside Rubaga Cathedral.

Bianco greets Archbishop of Kampala-Emeritus Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, who is 95, as well as retired Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, who completed his diplomatic service in many countries.

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2:14 pm

Bishop Anthony Zziwa of Kiyinda-Mityana diocese speaks on behalf of the Uganda Episcopal Conference.

"We are very grateful for your pastoral care and zeal as you served as bishop of Kasana-Luwero," he starts off.

"You contributed to the conference in various capacities (...) We also thank you for the work you have done as Apostolic Administrator of Kampala up until the time you have been installed as Archbishop.

"We pomise you our prayers and support in your new pastoral duties as shephard of God's folk and as proclaimer of the gospel. May our blessed Mother Mary, your patron St. Paul and the Uganda martyrs intercede for you as you serve in God's vineyard.

Zziwa also delivers a message from The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), who say they are "delighted to celebrate with you today your ascendancy" to the helm of the Kampala Archdiocese.

"We assure you of our sustained spirital and moral support in this demanding responsibility".

He also reads out a message from Charles Kasonde, the chairman of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences of Eastern Africa (AMECEA).

"I extend our best wishes to you and we pray that the good Lord continues to give you good health," he says, rallying Ssemogerere to perform his pastoral duties with "joy and courage".

"May the prayer of the Uganda martyrs continue to support you in your apostolate."

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2:00 pm

Uganda's Vice-President, Jessica Alupo starts off with a detailed recognition of all the high-profile figures in attendance.

She then turns to Archbishop Luigi Bianco:

"I would like to report to you that I am one of the few members of the Christian Church who happens to have been mentored by Archbishop Ssemogerere when he was the parish priest of Christ the King Church. 

"When we received the news that he had been appointed the new archbishop, we, the parishioners, were very excited. I would like to report that he is extremely fit for that responsibility."

Vice-President Alupo then tells Ssemogerere:  

"In our humble way, we plan to visit you and we share our reminiscences about Christ the King Church and about Mother Church."

She then delivers a short message to the newly-installed Archbishop from President Yoweri Museveni, who congratulates him about installation. The President has offered Ssemogerere a gift of a car (Landcruiser Prado).

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1:48 pm

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Anitah Among, is the next speaker on the day. In recognizing all protocol, she draws huge applause from the congregation when she particularly takes note of "my very good friend, whom I have worked with - Bobi Wine - despite our political differences".

"We have been praying with you and we thank God that you have been chosen as our shephard," she then turns to Archbishop Ssemogerere.

"I am happy and blessed that when I was voted as Deputy Speaker, you received me in this church.

"As Parliament of Uganda, we believe in prayer, and we ask you to ensure that you monitor your folk that are in Parliament. Most of the MPs are Catholic. We pledge as Members of Parliament, that our doors are open," offers Among.

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1:36 pm

After Katikkiro Mayiga, forth steps Prince David Wasajja, Buganda king Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II's brother. He delivers the monarch's message to the new archbishop.

In his message, Kabaka Mutebi tells Ssemogerere that "we shall continue to pray for you" and that they are confident the late Lwanga's successor will fulfil his pastoral duties.

"We pray that God continues to bless you."

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1:27 pm

In his delivery, the Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, congratulates His Grace the Archbishop upon his installation, and says that religion in Uganda is deeply rooted in the Buganda Kingdom, with the relationship between the Church and the monarchy dating back more than a century.

He says that when the two entities co-operate, it will enhance many social benefits for the people in the areas of education, health, agriculture, youth employment, as well as moral and spiritual values in communities.

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1:20 pm

The clan head of Lugave (pangolin) has delivered his message to the new archbishop through Fred Katende Kyekango.

He has wished the newly-installed clergyman all the best in his new pastoral role, and has offered Ssemogerere three names: Mukiibi, Ssemakula and Katende.

The seat of the clan is at Katende in Mawokota.

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1:13 pm

In his speech, Aloysius Ivan Kalanzi Ssewanyana, the head of laity at the Kampala Archdiocese, speaks in glowing terms of newly-installed Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere.

"This is the greatest New Year's gift that God has given Kampala Archdiocese," he tells the congregation.

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1:11 pm

"I think your phone can take very good pictures of the archbishop."

"Oh really? OK, let me try."

[Shortly after . . .]

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12:56 pm

It is time for speeches, and speakers have been asked to be brief. We are told that Deputy Speaker of Parliament Anitah Among has been part of the organizing committee and "contributed massively" towards the function.

Meanwhile, Vision Group's Gervase Ndyanabo, who is the head of the Catholic laity of Uganda, has attended the installation.

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12:44 pm

At the conclusion of his first Mass as archbishop, Paul Ssemogerere has offered his blessing to all faithful.

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12:36 pm

There is an outpouring of congratulatory messages to newly-installed Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere.

One has called it a "new dawn".

Others have been moved by the choir hymns, with one tweep noticing the "beautiful soothing angelic music" that reminded them of their school days.

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12:13 pm

Today's ceremony has gone without incident, thanks to the security deployment at Rubaga that has keep everything in check. This has been an invite-only celebration, so at least the numbers have been manageable. I can imagine if it was non-pandemic times!

At 28°C, it is a sweltering early afternoon, by Ugandan standards. One could use some shade from the brutal heat. Inside the cathedral, the fans mounted on the walls are whirring continuously to keep the congregants cooled.

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11:49 am

The newly-installed Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, served at St. Gabriel and Michael Junior Seminary Nswanjere as a teacher between 1982 and 1983.

From 1985 to 1987, he was a teacher and Vice-Rector of Nswanjere Junior Seminary. From then until 1990, Ssemogerere served as the parish priest Nyenga Parish, which is present day Lugazi diocese.

He was transferred to Christ the King Parish as parish priest and also a dean of Christ the King Deanery, a post he served for nine years (1990-1999).

Having served as Vicar-General of Kampala Archdiocese in 1999, on April 26, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI bestowed upon Ssemogerere the honorary title of Monsignor.

He was appointed the bishop of Kasana-Luweero diocese on March 4, 2008 and consecrated five months later, on August 23. 

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11:24 am

In his homily, Archbishop Ssemogerere draws from the biblical story of Saul's conversion to Paul to reflect on the challenges faced by Ugandans, including the coronavirus pandemic, injustices, waning patriotism, youth unemplyment, and societal inequalities that have created a wide gap between the "obscenely" rich and the extremely poor. He preaches that we must boldly solve these problems without fear even if these problems "may seem to rise against us".

He urges the faithful to pray to God for the "gift of full unity among ourselves".

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11:17 am

Ssemogerere says he is confident that the Lord will guide him in his pastoral journey, adding tht he desires to be a humble servant and shephard.

His Grace, the Archbishop particularly thanks the Holy Father for appointing him as the Metropolitan head of Kampala Archdiocese.

"I humbly renew my allegiance unto him and the entire Holy See."

Ssemogerere says he is "greatly indebted" to Archbishop Luigi Bianco's "support and guidance", especially in the recent months he served at the Apostolic Administrator of Kampala Archdiocese following the death of Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.

On the man he has succeeded, Ssemogerere says Lwanga "was a man of God who accomplished so much in a very short time, not only in Kampala Archdiocese, but also in Kasana-Luwero diocese.

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11:10 am

In his inaugural speech as archbishop just before delivering the homily, Paul Ssemogerere speaks of his gratitude for his new role.

"It fills me with deep gratitude and joy. I am humbled to be assigned to lead this great Archdiocese of Kampala," he says.

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11:03 am

The spectrum of reprentation at today's function is wide - from the central government to Buganda kindom and to the Ugandan religious family and the Holy See.

The Vice-President, Jessica Alupo, and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Anitah Among, are in attendance.

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10:43 am

The vibrancy of the beautiful choir has had an infectious effect across the entire cathedral. The guests in attendance have been seen singing along hymn after hymn.

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10:36 am

Paul Ssemogerere has become the fourth Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese. Newly-installed, he will now lead his first Mass as archbishop.

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10:24 am

BREAKING NEWS

Paul Ssemogerere has been installed as the fourth Metropolitan Archbishop of Kampala, succeeding the late Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, who died in April last year.

Firmly sat in the cathedra - the raised seat reserved for the archbishop - and majestically holding the pastoral staff handed to him by the Papal Nuncio, Ssemogerere accepts his new role of leading and watching over the flock of the vast Kampala Archdiocese.

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10:20 am

Some of the high-profile people attending today's ceremony.

Buganda Kingdom prime minister Charles Peter Mayiga . . .

The immediate former Vice-President of Uganda, Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi . . .

Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) president and former Kyadondo East MP, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine . . .

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10:14 am

After a brief moment of silence on the knees across the cathedral, Ssemogerere advances to the altar, and then kisses it. Archbishop Luigi Bianco is then asked to present the Pope's letter of appointment of Paul Ssemogerere as the next Metropolitan Archbishop of Kampala.

The papal nuncio then presents the document to the chancellor, who displays it to the body of consultors and then to the entire congregation. He then reads the contents of the letter - first in Latin and then in English.There is also a Luganda translation.

The congregants applaud.

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10:02 am

For this well-orchestrated eucharistic celebration, The Most Rev. Paul Ssemogerere sprinkles holy water at the congregants as he walks towards the front of the cathedral. One of the songs that the choir sings is the popular Let your living water flow over my soul.

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9:53 am

The procession to the grand cathedral, animated by the band, is under way. It is a gloriously warm Tuesday morning on Rubaga hill.

The chimes of bells is also heard. Inside the cathedral, the choir is ready. The guests are set. Uganda is watching. The pope's ambassador to Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco, will preside over today's installation.

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9:47 am

Today's special Catholic Church function has been graced by leaders of other religious denominations. Also, there is observance of the standard operating procedures (SOPs), such as wearing of masks, at a time when Uganda - like the rest of the world - is still dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

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9:38 am

Earlier, when the soon-to-be-installed archbishop arrived at Rubaga.

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9:28 am

Meanwhile, the Rubaga Cathedral choir is warming up the day with a medley of beautiful hymns.

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9:22 am

It is an invite-only function, and among those in attendance is former Ugandan vice-president, Gilbert Bukenya. Expect to see many high-profile guests at today's event.

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9:14 am

Take a look at earlier pictures from Rubaga Cathedral.

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9:08 am

BREAKING NEWS

Archbishop-elect Paul Ssemogerere's motorcade has arrived at Rubaga amid an aura of excitement - songs and dance have punctuated his much-anticipated arrival.

Big day on the hill!

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8:50 am

On the day Archbishop Luigi Bianco announced that Pope Francis had appointed Paul Ssemogerere the late Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga's successor, Ssemogerere said he was "highly honoured" by the gesture.

In his brief message at Rubaga that day (December 9, 2021), the 65-year-old clergyman said he had gathered "courage to take on this responsibiliy" and that he desired "to be and remain a good and simple priest".

He thanked the pontiff for "this trust and confidence he has put in me" and that he looked forward to "continued support and team work".

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8:39 am

As invited guests - or congregants, if you like - settle in at Rubaga Cathedral, a couple of kilometres away, Ssemogerere's convoy is snaking through some very busy sections of the Kampala-Gulu highway destined for Rubaga. Good enough the incoming archbishop's motorcade has the right of way, so the typically heavy traffic jam won't be so niggly.

At some sections of the road, excited people have been cheering on the man who is set to officially lead Kampala Archdiocese.

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8:25 am

Watch below a sneak peek of some of the stories in today's New Vision (January 25, 2022). You can access the electronic version of today's papers 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/342gSwT



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8:18 am

Of course today's installation of Paul Ssemogerere has graced the front pages of today's dailies, New Vision . . .

And Bukedde . . .

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8:12 am

On this day 18 years ago . . .

Coincidentally, on January 25, 2004, Rt. Rev. Henry Luke Orombi (pictured) was enthroned as the seventh Archbishop of the Church of Uganda at a ceremony witnessed by President Yoweri Museveni at Namirembe Cathedral. 

Orombi succeeded Archbishop Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo and served as archbishop for eight years until December 2012.

Stanley Ntagali succeeded Orombi, who was then succeeded by Stephen Kaziimba, the current and ninth Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.

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8:08 am

On the eve of today's momentous religious function, the decades-old Rubaga Catheral was spruced up by scores of people, who scrubbed the stairways, vacuum-cleaned the interior and manicured the vast compound. They did a good job!

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8:02 am

The morning sun rays are sneaking through at Rubaga Cathedral, where security has been ramped up to ensure everything runs smoothly. It promises to be a very warm Tuesday in Uganda's capital.

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7:54 am

For today's function at Rubaga Cathedral, access will be limited to only invited guests - about 1,000 of them, I understand. This also means that traffic to the grand cathedral is restricted to only vehicle with stickers.

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7:45 am

And that has been Paul Ssemogerere saying farewell to Kasana-Luwero diocese, his service station for over a decade.

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7:43 am

Bishop Paul Ssemogerere has arrived at River Lumansi in Matugga, at the border of Kasana-Luwero and Kampala dioceses for the official handover. After brief remarks from one of the religious officials ( the vicar), Ssemogerere has gone down on his knees to receive a bouquet and a bible to signify his reception and effectively marking the handover.

It is Rev. Fr. Pius Male Ssentumbwe, the chancellor of Kampala Archdiocese, who has received the incoming archbishop.

After the handover, there has been a switch of vehicles, before Ssemogerere proceeds to Kampala.

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7:35 am

Dreamt of becoming an archbishop?

The Most Rev. Paul Ssemogerere is the only priest in his family - but it is not that others did not give it a shot.

"Two of my brothers tried, but they did not make it," he said in an interview with a local TV. 

"One of my sisters tried and she is a sister - she is Sister Jacinta Nalweyiso of Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix - Ggogonya. She is currently working in Germany."

Ssemogerere says becoming an archbishop had never been something he had envisioned.

"That has never been been my dream. And I wouldn't think that any of those who have become bishops ever thought they would become bishops.

What we apply for when we join the seminary is to become a priest. And that is the only application that is needed and required. You get interviewed, you go through the process of becoming a priest and formation stages, but nobody makes an interview to be elevated to bishophood or archbishop."

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7:24 am

The man soaking up most of today's local media attention, Paul Ssemogerere, was born on June 30, 1956 at Kisubi Hospital. 

From Primary One to Primary Four, he attended Kigero Primary School in Nkumba parish, Katabi sub-county in Wakiso district. He then went to Kisubi Boys, before moving to St. Maria Goretti Katende, where his uncle was the headteacher.

In 1976, Ssemogerere was part of the eight-strong pioneer class of St. Mbaaga's Major Seminary Ggaba.

After the death of his mother, Angelina Namutebi, in 1977, Ssemogerere's father remarried. Altogether, Ssemogerere has 20 siblings (some have since passed on) - 14 from his biological mother and six from his step-mother.

On June 3, 1982, Ssemogerere was ordained a priest and incardinated in the Kampala Archdiocese.

On June 4, 2008, 26 years after his ordination, Ssemogerere was elected bishop of Kasana-Luwero diocese at the age of 52. He replaced Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, who, at the time, was elevated to the position of Kampala Archbishop.

Today, Ssemogerere will step into the shoes of a man he succeeded at Kasana-Luwero.

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7:12 am

Meanwhile, the soon-to-be-installed new Kampala Archbishop has set off from his Kasana-Luwero diocese, where he served as bishop for 13 years. Prayers and rituals were conducted before his departure Tuesday.

Residents, including children in school uniform, braved the early morning chill and lined the road to bid farewell to their Kampala-destined bishop, who waved back at them from inside his vehicle as the convoy slalomed through the packed streets.

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7:00 am

After being installed as the fourth Archbishop of Kampala, The Most Rev. Paul Ssemogerere will join a special list of three others before him:

- Cardinal Emmanuel Kiwanuka Nsubuga: 1966 - 1990
- Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala: 1990 - 2006
- Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga: 2006 - 2021

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6:50 am

In video footage published by Kampala Archdiocese in the buildup, its communications director, Rev. Fr. Joseph Mukiibi, weighs in on what installation means.

"Installation is a Christian liturgical act that formally inducts an incumbent into a new role at a particular place, such as a cathedral," he says.

"In the Catholic tradition, installations are carried out for bishops who oversee a diocese or archdiocese. In this context, the archbishop-elect, The Most Rev. Paul Ssemogerere, will be installed into his seat called a cathedral in Rubaga Cathedral.

"We implore you all to stay in fervent prayer for our new archbishop," adds Mukiibi.

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6:45 am

Archbishop installation: How we got here . . .

It all started on the morning of April 3, 2021. Rt. Rev. Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, the Archbishop of Kampala, was found dead at his residence, stunning the entire nation and beyond. This was a day after the 68-year-old cleric's last public appearance on Good Friday, where he had led the Way of the Cross in Kampala.

The late Archbishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga

Following Lwanga's death Msgr. Charles Kasibante was appointed the interim administrator of the archdiocese.

Five days after the archbishop's demise, the pope's ambassador to Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco, delivered a message during Lwanga's requiem Mass as Rubaga Cathedral. The announcement was of Pope Francis' appointment of Bishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kasana-Luwero Diocese as the Apostolic Administrator of Kampala Archdiocese.

Eight months later, on December 9, 2021, the pope appointed Ssemogerere as the man to replace Lwanga as Archbishop of Kampala. Again, it was Archbishop Luigi Bianco (pictured below) who delivered that important message from the Vatican.

As the Archbishop-elect, the final piece of the puzzle for 65-year-old Ssemogerere is today's installation, which is expected to get under way at 10am at his new station, Rubaga Cathedral. He will be installed as the fourth Archbishop of Kampala.

Today's special function will be presided over by Archbishop Luigi Bianco.

A big day for the man of the cloth. A big day for the Catholic Church.

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6:40 am

Hello and good morning. It is an early start for text commentary on a Tuesday and just in case you are wondering why, it is a BIG, special day for Uganda's Catholic fraternity. All roads are leading to Rubaga Cathedral, which is perched on one of the original seven hills of Uganda's capital Kampala.

Kampala Archdiocese will be installing a new archbishop. So stick with us here as we build up to the much-anticipated function that gets under way a couple of hours from now - but first, with a procession of the incoming archbishop from his former station, Kasana-Luwero diocese after a handover ritual.

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