Bishop Charles Martin Wamika of Jinja Diocese dies at 72

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Bishop Charles Martin Wamika of Jinja Catholic Diocese has died at the age of 72, the diocesan chancellor announced Wednesday (October 22).

In a statement, Fr Gerald Muto said Wamika passed away at 4pm on Wednesday. No cause of death was given.

"It is with deep sorrow and Christian hope in the resurrection that the Diocese of Jinja announces the passing on of our beloved shepherd, Rt Rev. Charles Martin Wamika, Bishop of Jinja," read the statement.

Muto said the funeral programme would be communicated later, and invited all the clergy, religious and the faithful "to keep our fallen Bishop Wamika in your prayers".

Reports indicated that the bishop died at Lubaga Hospital, where he had been admitted with health complications.

Wamika was the first African and the first Ugandan to lead the Diocese of Jinja, having succeeded Bishop Joseph Bernard Louis Willigers in March 2010. He had previously served as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Tororo.

Born on August 12, 1953, he was appointed bishop by Pope John Paul II. He was consecrated at Tororo on February 19, 1994. He served as Titular Bishop of Tacapae, while auxiliary bishop.

In early 2010, Pope Benedict XVI transferred him to Jinja as the local ordinary to succeed Bishop Willigers, whose age-related retirement was accepted by the Holy Father.

Jinja Catholic Diocese, created 57 years ago, has been led by only three bishops.