Namirembe Diocese has promoted three clergy to the rank of canon, appointed a new education secretary and transferred several church leaders in a reshuffle aimed at strengthening its ministry and administration.
The changes, announced by Bishop Moses Banja in a statement issued on October 24, also include contract extensions for four clergy approaching retirement and the impending retirement of three senior church officials.
Ven. Canon David Mpagi, who has been serving as acting Archdeacon of Kazo, has been appointed the new diocesan education secretary.
The reshuffle has also affected several parish leadership positions. Rev. Abraham Muyinda has been transferred from Nkumba Parish to Nateete Parish, replacing Ven. Canon B.K. Buwembo, who moves to Mbuya Parish.
Rev. Patrick Katuluba has been moved from Mbalwa Parish to Namugongo, where he will serve as archdeacon and principal of Uganda Martyrs Seminary, Namugongo.
Other changes include the transfer of Rev. Dr. Enock Kimanje from Kawaala to Kyanja, while Rev. Edward Stephen Kabanda moves from Kiwuunya to take up the roles of diocesan researcher and chaplain.
In a separate development, the diocese has elevated three clergy to the rank of canon, recognising their positions in the church’s leadership.
They are Ven. Elly Wasswa Mwanje of Gayaza Archdeaconry, Ven. Frederick Musisi of Masengere-Kavumba and Rev. Dr. Andrew Nalumenya, the parish vicar of Kamuli.
The diocese has also extended the contracts of four clergy nearing retirement by one year, allowing them to continue serving in their respective positions.
They include Ven. Canon Geoffrey Wilson Kakooza of Luzira Archdeaconry, Canon Abraham Lubega, the acting diocesan trainer, Rev. Edward Walakira of Busega Parish and Rev. Henry Maguzi of Kayunga Parish.
The changes come as three senior clergy prepare to retire from their current positions.
They are Rev. Canon Henry Ssegawa, the outgoing diocesan secretary; Ven. Canon Emmanuel Kenneth Ssewanyana, formerly the Archdeacon of Entebbe; and Ven. Canon Michael Wasswa Ssentamu, formerly the Archdeacon of Namugongo and principal of Uganda Martyrs Seminary, Namugongo.
Bishop Banja urged Christians across the diocese to embrace the changes and work closely with the incoming clergy as they take up their new responsibilities.
“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,” Banja said.
