Lugazi Diocese, one of the Catholic Dioceses within Kampala Ecclesiastical Province on Sunday held a double celebration of 28 years since its inception and Priestly and Episcopate for the Bishops who have led the diocese to date.

Lugazi Diocese was founded in March 1997 with the first Bishop being Rt. Rev. Mathias Ssekamanya, now 88 years old who led the diocese until November 4th 2014. Bishop Ssekamanya on Sunday celebrated 40 years as a Bishop and 60 years in priesthood.

In January 1999, the same diocese got the second Bishop Rt. Rev. Christopher Kakooza, now 72 years old, who on Sunday celebrated 25 years as a Bishop and 42 years as a priest.

The celebrations marked with a Eucharistic thanksgiving led by Bishop Christopher Kakooza, in his homily he was grateful to God for the gift of life and priestly service he has granted them.

In a special way, Bishop Kakooza hailed Bishop Ssekamanya for the cordial working relationship that has made their pastoral ministry easy and enjoyable.

The function was graced by His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, the Archbishop of Kampala, Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa, the Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference and Bishop of Kiyinda Mityana diocese, Bishop Lawrence Mukasa of Kasana-Luweero diocese, Pope Nuncio Emeritus Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, and the State Minister for Higher Education, Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo on behalf of the special guests among others.

At the same celebration, Bishop Kakooza graced five couples with the sacrament of Holy Matrimony, all from Kibubbu sub parish in Lugazi Parish where the reigning Bishop resides.

By Francis Jjunju

23 February 2025

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