JINJA, Uganda — Pope Leo XIV has appointed Most Rev. Emmanuel Obbo, the metropolitan archbishop of Tororo, as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Jinja, following the death of Bishop Charles Martin Wamika on October 22. Archbishop Obbo will oversee the diocese during the period of vacancy, at the discretion of the Holy See.
The appointment was announced by the Apostolic Nuncio in Uganda, through Fr. Georges Kwami Kouwonou, chargé d’Affaires ad interim, who also expressed gratitude to the Board of Consultors of Jinja for maintaining diocesan governance after Bishop Wamika’s passing. The communiqué invoked blessings upon Archbishop Obbo’s ministry as he assumes this additional responsibility.
A member of the Apostles of Jesus (A.J.) religious congregation, Archbishop Obbo shepherds the Archdiocese of Tororo, one of Uganda’s four ecclesiastical provinces. In his new role, he will temporarily oversee the spiritual and administrative needs of the Jinja Diocese until a new bishop is appointed by the Holy Father.
Bishop Wamika, who led the Diocese of Jinja since his episcopal consecration in 2010, was remembered for his dedication to evangelization, pastoral care, and the strengthening of Catholic institutions. He passed away at Rubaga Hospital, Kampala, after battling prostate cancer, and was laid to rest on October 28 inside St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Rubaga, Jinja City.
The Catholic Church in Uganda unites in prayer for the repose of Bishop Wamika’s soul and for divine guidance for Archbishop Obbo as he undertakes his new pastoral duties in service to the faithful.
