Bishop Emeritus Martin Luluga of Nebbi laid to rest

NEBBI | BISHOP

Thousands of mourners from all walks of life on Wednesday gathered for the sendoff of Nebbi’s late Bishop emeritus, Martin Luluga.

The 89-year-old passed away on July 30, 2022, as a result of multiple organ failures. He had been diagnosed with a terminal heart problem and high blood pressure at the Uganda Heart Institute and Mulago Hospital back in 2015.

The late Archbishop John Baptist Odama, the archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, described the late bishop as a person who played a great role in his life from his school years at Pokea Minor Seminary up until the time he started working.

"Bishop Martin Luluga was unique in a way that he inspired us greatly during seminary time when he was the bursar in Pokea seminary, and he simultaneously served as my predecessor in Nebbi and my successor in Gulu, which is something very extraordinary," said Odama.

Obiga Kania, the State Minister of Urban Development and also Terego East MP, where the late hails from, said, "Luluga will be remembered for his spirit of simplicity and generosity to others."

Late Bishop Martin Luluga's sister carrying the portrait during the sendoff. (Photo by Robert Adiga)

“One thing I can confirm is his simplicity and spirit to help others. Indeed, he lived up to his Christianity, priestly and episcopal values because he was not after earthly possessions. He was a good example for the family, church, and the country at large,” said Minister Kania.

Other speakers included Isaac Otimgiu, the MP for Pader County; Suleiman Hashim, the MP for Nebbi Municipality; and Sister Joyce Abindru, the missionary sister of Mary Mother of the Church, who acknowledged the late for his modest, selfless, committed, diligent, and compassionate individual who made a significant impact on the lives of numerous people both inside and outside the diocese of Nebbi.

Joseph Anthony Zziwa, the Kiyinda Mityana diocese Bishop and chairperson of the Episcopal Conference, told mourners that Luluga was a silent person but talked through action.

"He will be remembered for his qualities, most notably his prudence in making decisions, being easily approachable, simplicity, and punctuality, and we have seen him as a great leader not only for future priests but all walks of life. He did not disappoint at any time, even after his retirement. He continued to attend our meetings and guide us, "said Bishop Zziwa.

Biography

The late Bishop Luluga was born on March 1, 1933, at Omugo Sub-county in Terego district, Lodonga vicariate, Arua diocese to Mzee Mark Lia and Mama Isolina Asendrua and retired on February 8, 2011, after serving the diocese diligently for 12 years.

Minister Obiga Kania addressing journalists during the sendoff of the late Martin Luluga. (Photo by Robert Adiga)

He received his first holy communion on January 3, 1943, and his confirmation on March 28, 1944, respectively.

His early education

He attended Lodonga primary school for his primary and Lacor Seminary for his secondary, philosophical, and theological studies.

His priestly life

He was ordained a priest on June 1, 1963, at Lodonga minor basilica by Bishop Angelo Tarantino in the Arua diocese.

His first assignment was to Ullepi parish as curate, and about six months later, he was transferred to Logiri parish.

In 1969, he was sent to Rome to the International Centre for Pastoral Theology, where he obtained a diploma in social sciences.

After their studies, he was appointed bursar at St. Peter and Paul Pokea minor seminary.

On May 7, 1972, he was appointed vicar general of the Arua diocese and given the title Monsignor, and he continued to work as bursar for Pokea minor seminary.

His Episcopate.

On October 27, 1986, he was elected by Pope John Paul II as the auxiliary bishop of the Gulu Diocese and the titular bishop of Aquae in Dacia.

On January 11, 1987, he was ordained bishop of Gulu cathedral church.

In 1988, Pope John Paul II appointed Bishop Martin Luluga as the apostolic administrator of the Gulu Diocese.

On February 8, 1990, Pope John Paul II appointed him the bishop ordinary of the Gulu Diocese, and he was installed on April 18, 1999.

On February 8, 2011, Bishop Martin Luluga retired from being the bishop ordinary of Nebbi and opted to have his residence to live in.

On Saturday, July 30th, 2022, bishop emeritus Martin Luluga was called by the lord from this earthly vessel.