As bishop, he has served from August 23, 2008, through December 9, 2021, when he was fully appointed by Pope Francis as Archbishop of Kampala to succeed the late Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga who died on April 3, 2021, on Easter eve, until yesterday.
The Archbishop-elect of Kampala Archdiocese His Grace Paul
Ssemogerere has bid farewell to Kasana-Luweero Diocese.
He has shepherded the diocese for 13
years as the second bishop.
As bishop, he has served from August 23, 2008, through December 9, 2021, when he
was fully appointed by Pope Francis as Archbishop of Kampala to succeed the
late Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga who died on April 3, 2021, on Easter eve, until yesterday.
After the sudden demise of Archbishop Lwanga, Bishop Ssemogerere
was days later on April 7 during the former’s burial, appointed by the Pontiff
as the Apostolic Administrator of Kampala Archdiocese.
Since then, he has for a period of eight months been serving two
positions as Apostolic Administrator of Kampala Archdiocese and bishop of
Kasana-Luweero diocese.
Now, following the setting of the date for his installation as Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at Lubaga Cathedral, a special Mass was held for him at Our Lady of Fatima Queen of Peace Kasana Cathedral on Sunday, to say goodbye to the people of Kasana-Luweero diocese.
Archbishop-elect Ssemogerere was the main celebrant of this last
Mass as bishop of the Kasana-Luweero diocese. The Mass was attended by many priests, religious leaders
from different denominations including the Anglicans and Orthodox, in addition
to politicians and hundreds of the faithful.
Delivering his homily, Archbishop-elect Ssemogerere hailed his predecessor Dr Cyprian
Kizito Lwanga who was the pioneer bishop of the Kasana-Luweero diocese for a strong
foundation which he said has smoothened his work during the 13-year tenure.
Luganda//Cue in; "Njagala okwebazaa...
Cue out...Kampala nayongera okuwagira."//
Ssemogererealso generally commended the people of
Kasana-Luweero which covers three civic districts including; Luwero, Nakaseke
and Nakasongola for their support including; prayers, advice and financial among
others as he headed the diocese.
Luganda//Cue in; "Mwebale kunkwatizaako...
Cue out...egy’enjawulo mu Ssaza."//
On behalf of the Kasana-Luweero diocesan administration, Msgr.
Francis Xavier Mpanga, the Vicar General, has hailed Archbishop Ssemogerere for
his development including among others, the commissioning of four parishes;
Kiwoko, Kannyanda, Kamira and Kiwoko. He has also in his tenure ordained 41 priests.
Luganda//Cue in; "Mukadde waffe otuyigirizza...
Cue out...gyetuyita Adoration Chapel."//
The leader of the Laity of Kasana-Luweero Diocese Boniface
Ssentongo commended Archbishop Ssemogerere for his hand in the growth of the
faithful in Christianity. He has also asked the faithful to forgive Archbishop Ssemogerere
in case he wronged them in any way during his tenure in Kasana-Luweero Diocese,
reasoning that he is also human.
Luganda//Cue in; "Tukuwaddeyo nga otuuse...
Cue out...kukwagaliza olugendo olulungi."//
Kkangaawo Ronald Mulondo, Mengo’s Ssaza Chief in charge of Bulemeezi
County under the Buganda Kingdom set up, has said that Archbishop Ssemogerere is to be
missed for his support ranging from leadership to participate in the County
activities.
Bernard Bakalu
Freelancer