MASAKA – Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa of Masaka diocese has on Saturday, July 6, officially retired after the Catholic Church installed Serverus Jjumba as new Bishop. Jjumba was appointed by Pope Francis in April, this year.
Msgr Bishop Serverus Jjumba is now the new Bishop of Masaka diocese replacing Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa who has served the diocese for 24 years.
Hundreds of Christians have congregated at Kitovu Sports Arena for this function and among them include; Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa of Mityana diocese, Bishop Obbo from Tororo, His Grace Cyprian Kizito Lwanga of Kampala, Mbarara diocese Bishop Paul Bakyenga, John Baptist Odama and other bishops.
Others include Vicar Generals, Priests, Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga, Minisiters, Members of Parliament, clan leaders and many people of different dignaratories.
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to be the chief guest.
In April, 2019, a letter came from Rome indicating that Pope Francis had appointed the then Vicor General of Masaka Diocese as the new Bishop due to the retiring of Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa.
Infront of hundreds of people, Bishop Kaggwa requested that the letter should be read as evidence that the Pope nominated Msgr Jjumba to replace him.
“We have written this letter to inform you that we have nominated you as the new Bishop of Masaka Diocese through following the rules and regulations of the Catholic Church, you are free to acquire this office outside Rome and to appoint the Bishop of your choice to install you,” read the nomination letter in part.
The letter added that as a Bishop, he has to swear in front of the congregation that he will be faithful to the church and those who will come after him.
“Upon this appointment, we know you can manage to serve as the Bishop,” reads an excerpt from the letter.
While leading the mass, the retiring Bishop Kaggwa, thanked God for not forsaking the diocese.
“God has not forsaken us, today I present to you the new Bishop that God has appointed. He will lead us to the promised land,” he said.
Bishop Kaggwa revealed that the new Bishop to replace him is Msgr Bishop Serverus Jjumba who has been serving as the Vicor General of Masaka Diocese.
“I will later on smear him with Holly anointed oil on his head and hand him with a sceptre that was given to us by the Grandfather of our diocese, Bishop Stensera which he handed to his successor Bishop Kiwanuka , who also handed it to Bishop Adrian Kivumbi Ddungu, that finally handed it to me,” retired Bishop Kaggwa added.
He said that today he will also hand the Sceptre to the new Bishop that God has given the Diocese.
“After handing it to him, you will see me stepping aside and he will lead you”, he said.
Bishop Kaggwa added that the Bishop Jjumba is going to become the successor of the apostles adding that he is to teach Catholics what Jesus left with them.
Masaka Diocese has had four Bishops who include; Bishop Stensera, Bishop Joseph Kiwanuka, Bishop Adrian Kivumbi Ddungu and Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa who has been replaced with Msgr Bishop Serverus Jjumba who is now the fifth (5th) Bishop in the Diocese.
