The Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, the Rev Moses Banja, has announced a series of clergy transfers, appointments, promotions, retirements and contract extensions affecting parishes, archdeaconries and church institutions across the diocese.
The changes include the appointment of a new Diocesan Secretary, new archdeacons, promotions to the rank of Canon and deployments to parishes, educational institutions and other ministries.
Rev Emmanuel Lutaaya, formerly of Kiwatule Parish, has been appointed Diocesan Secretary, replacing Rev Canon Henry Ssegawa, who is retiring from the position.
Ven Canon David Mpagi has been confirmed as Archdeacon of Kazo and appointed Education Secretary, while Rev. Abraham Muyinda has been transferred from Nkumba Parish to serve as Archdeacon of Nateete.
Rev Patrick Katuluba, formerly of Mbalwa Parish, has been transferred to Namugongo as Archdeacon and Principal of Uganda Martyrs Seminary, Namugongo.
Several clergy members have also been elevated to the rank of Canon, including Ven Capt Elly Wasswa Mwanje of Gayaza Archdeaconry and Ven Fredrick Musisi Masengere of Kavumba Archdeaconry. Rev Dr Andrew Nalumenya has been appointed Parish Vicar of Kamuli.
Other transfers include Rev Dr Enock Kimanje from Kawala to Kyanja, Rev Augustine Kayemba from Masuulita to Bweyogerere, and Rev Semei Ssekiziyivu Ssebina from Nabweru to Lwadda.
Rev Michael Wasswa Kisawuzi has been transferred from Lwadda to Kyebando Nsumbi, while Rev. Elijah Kyobe moves from Bunamwaya to Kiwatule. Rev John Kiyingi has been transferred from Mpererwe to Mbalwa, and Rev Maxwell Ssebugwawo from Kisaasi to Nkumba.
Further deployments affect clergy serving in Kibuye, Kisaasi, Mpererwe, Gayaza, Kavumba, Namavundu, Kazo and other parishes. The changes also include appointments to ministry, research, chaplaincy and educational institutions.
Some ordinands have been assigned to new areas of service, including Bulange Church of Uganda, Kawuku Parish, Kibuye Parish and St. Mark’s College Namagoma.
Meanwhile, several senior clergy members are retiring from their current responsibilities. They include Rev Canon Henry Ssegawa, the outgoing Diocesan Secretary; Ven Canon Emmanuel Kenneth Ssewanyana, formerly Archdeacon of Entebbe; and Ven Canon Michael Wasswa Ssentamu, formerly Archdeacon of Namugongo and Principal of Uganda Martyrs Seminary, Namugongo.
Others retiring include Rev Canon Abraham Lubega Kisaakye of Bweyogerere Parish, Rev Wilberforce Ssekitoleko, caretaker of Kyanja Parish, and Rev Eria Kawooya, caretaker of Kitegomba Parish.
In a related development, Ven Canon Geoffrey Wilson Kakooza of Luzira Archdeaconry has received a one-year contract extension. Rev Edward Walakira of Busega Parish and Rev Henry Maguzi of Kayunga Parish have also been granted one-year extensions.
Rev Canon Abraham Lubega Kisaakye has additionally been assigned responsibilities as Diocesan Trainer.
In his message to Christians across the diocese, Bishop Banja called on congregations to welcome the newly posted clergy and support them in their ministry.
“I call upon all Christians in the different churches to warmly welcome these ministers, support them and work together with them as they serve God and His people,” he said.
The changes are expected to reshape leadership and ministry across the affected parishes, archdeaconries and church institutions as the diocese continues its mission of spreading the Gospel and serving communities.