Thousands witness Bishop Jjumba's consecration 

Bishop Serverus Jjumba greets his mother Leocadia Namazzi Teziranda, 93, after his consecration on Saturday. Photos by Juliet Lukwago                               

Thousands of people on Saturday thronged Sports Arena Ground in Masaka to witness the consecration of Msgr. Serverus Jjumba, who was installed as bishop of Masaka Catholic Diocese.  

Jjumba replaced Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa, who retired after clocking the mandatory retirement age of 75. 

The occasion, which was presided over by Bishop Kaggwa started with a procession that featured bishops and priests. Over 200 priests attended the function. Kaggwa was assisted by the Papal Nuncio to Uganda Archbishop Luigi Bianco, the Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga and the auxiliary bishop of Mbarara, Lambert Bainomugisha.

The Mass was also attended by the chairperson of the Episcopal Conference, Dr Joseph Anthony Zziwa, his deputy Bishop Robert Muhiirwa, Archbishops John Baptist Odama of Gulu and Paul Bakyenga of Mbarara, among others.

Papal Nuncio Luigi Bianco blesses Bishop Jjumba during his consecration on Saturday. (Left-right) Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, auxiliary bishop of Mbarara Lambert Bainomugisha and Dr Joseph Anthony Zziwa  

The Vice-President, Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the function. Other notable dignitaries in attendance were Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, agriculture state minister Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. David Muhoozi, Gen. Salim Saleh, Church of Uganda's West Buganda Bishop Henry Katumba and several Members of Parliament.

During his homily, Bishop Kaggwa urged the new bishop to preach to the people the word of God without fear. 

"God through prophet Jeremiah says he will find us shepherds, filled with wisdom to shepherd us without fear. They will take care of us and none of us will get lost," Bishop Kaggwa said.

Jjumba, who referred to Bishop Kaggwa as his mentor, hailed the retiring Bishop, who has been bishop of Masaka for 24 years for what he described as tremendous work he did for the people in the area.  

The occasion ended in a grand style with Vice-President Ssekandi handing over new Mitsubishi-Pajero gift to Bishop Jjumba.