Tororo bids farewell to former auxiliary bishop Charles Martin Wamika

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The Archdiocese of Tororo received the body of their former auxiliary bishop, Charles Martin Wamika, on Friday (October 25) at the Uganda Martyrs Cathedral Nyangole, Tororo.

Wamika's death on Wednesday at the age of 72 came at a time when he was serving as Bishop of Jinja Catholic Diocese.

Previously, he served as a priest and auxiliary bishop in Tororo for over two decades, and has left behind a legacy of faith, joy, and unwavering dedication.

The arrival of the late bishop's body at around 8pm was met with solemn reverence. The Most Rev. Dr Emmanuel Obbo, the Archbishop of Tororo Archdiocese, presided over the reception, sprinkling holy water on the casket in a sacred gesture of purification and blessing.

The body was then led inside the cathedral, where Archbishop Obbo initiated a series of symbolic rituals.

He laid a pall, representing the shroud of Christ, over the casket. He then placed a crucifix, chalice (representing the Holy Communion), gospel book (symbolising the Word of God), and a stole (a vestment signifying priestly authority) atop the casket.

'Youthful exuberance'

Addressing the filled cathedral, the archbishop thanked the Diocese of Jinja for entrusting them with Bishop Wamika's body.

"We are deeply honoured to have Bishop Wamika's body among us, and to be able to pay our last respects to a man who dedicated a significant portion of his life to serving God and the people of Tororo.

"He truly was a son of this soil, and we will forever cherish the memories of his pastoral zeal and unwavering faith.

"Even in the final years, Bishop Wamika and I would greet each other like young boys, filled with the joy of God's presence. That youthful exuberance, that boundless joy, is what we must remember him for. As we pray, we are united with him in his eternal life," Obbo told the congregation.

He encouraged the mourners to embrace the power of prayer, a cornerstone of Wamika’s life and ministry. 

"Let us continue to pray for Bishop Charles Martin Wamika, and for ourselves who are gathered here. We don't want our bishop to go with spiritual depression, because he has been a joyful man.

"We shouldn't weep like those without faith, because through prayers, Bishop Wamika is still alive. I believe we are praying for him and with him."

Following the archbishop's address, a series of Masses were celebrated throughout the night by priests who currently serve in the parishes where Wamika worked as a priest and auxiliary bishop.

On Saturday, the Archdiocese of Tororo was scheduled to hold a Requiem Mass to honour the late bishop, after which the body would be transported to his home parish in Budaka in the afternoon, where another Requiem Mass would be held on Sunday. 

On Sunday afternoon, the journey will continue to Iganga, where a Requiem Mass will be held at St. Gonza Gonzaga Minor Seminary.

The final farewell and burial will take place on Tuesday (October 28) in Jinja Cathedral, presided over by Most Rev. Archbishop Obbo.