UGANDA: Most Rev. Bainomugisha Installed as Archbishop of Mbarara
Archbishop enjoys a photo moment with the layfaithful
Sr. Watsema Stella and Felix Ainebyoona
Most Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha was on Saturday 20th June 2020 installed as the second Archbishop of Mbarara in a ceremony led by the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Most Rev. Luigi Bianco.
Archbishop Bainomugisha who has been serving as the Auxiliary Bishop of Mbarara for the last 15 years, takes over from His Grace Paul Kamuza Bakyenga who led the Archdiocese of Mbarara for the last 30 years until he reached the retirement age of 75 on June 30th 2019 when the Holy Father Pope Francis accepted his resignation and appointed Most Rev. Bainomugisha to take over as his successor.
The new Archbishop asked the faithful to come together for the development of the local Church of Mbarara.
“Members of the press and various media houses including social media have been asking me to tell them what my plan of action will be as new Archbishop of Mbarara. If I do not have a vision of the things I want to do, I would not be having a sense of direction, but if you expect me to give some kind of a ready-made menu, to be sincere and honest with you, I have none. Instead, I want to invite you people of God to bring forward your knowledge and skills, professionals and non-professionals, religious and lay faithful from all walks of life in your different capacities, that we sit down and together hatch up our plan of action, together we lay down strategies on how best to minister this Archdiocese’’, Archbishop Bainomugisha said.
He further urged all to come on board and work together to develop the Archdiocese.
“I am sure once we put our spiritual, human and temporal resources together we shall give a considerable contribution towards the growth of our local church”, he noted.
Archbishop Bainomugisha appreciated the Holy Father Pope Francis for having found him worthy to lead the Archdiocese of Mbarara after great past leaders who laid the foundation.
His Grace Paul K. Bakyeng, Archbishop Emeritus thanked the new Archbishop for accepting to take on the leadership of the church after him.
“On my part, I wish to appreciate our new Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha, for accepting this noble and heavy responsibility. Such a duty stems from the mission of the church for which our Lord Jesus Christ left to his Apostles’’
Archbishop Bakyenga assured the lay faithful that after COVID-19 pandemic is gone, the church will organize a celebration where all people of God will come together to thank God and welcome the new Archbishop of Mbarara.
“Some people have been asking me where I shall be staying. After a month, I will move to Bushenyi where the new Archbishop has allowed me to stay, that is, St. Kaggwa Parish. However, when the Archbishop settles down, he will give me a companion to stay with, I do not want to stay alone”, Archbishop Emeritus said.
The President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who was represented by the Minister of Local Government Hon. Raphael Magezi, said the government is committed to supporting the church in the spiritual development of its citizens.
“The President congratulates you on your appointment and installation as the second Archbishop of Mbarara. He says your appointment and installation is a sign of appreciation of the church for the outstanding performance in education and spiritual position to provide stewardship in the Archdiocese of Mbarara. He assures you of government support and cooperation in your spiritual and pastoral mission’’, Hon Magezi said as he delivered the President’s message.
The Chairman of the Laity, Mr. Gervase Ndyanabo said that the lay faithful welcome the new Archbishop and that they will accord him the corporation he deserves.
The Anglican Bishop of Ankole Diocese, Bishop Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa also appreciated the relationship between the Catholics and Anglicans and said he is committed to keep steering the relationship further with the new Archbishop.
The function was graced by His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda Most Rev. Luigi Bianco, His Grace Paul K. Bakyenga Archbishop Emeritus of Mbarara, Rt. Rev. Robert Muhirwa Bishop of Fort Portal and Vice Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference, Rt. Rev.Callistus Rubaramira Bishop of Kabale, Rt. Rev.Egidio Nkaijanagwo Bishop Emeritus of Kasese, and Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo Amooti Bishop of Hoima Diocese.
Other dignitaries present included cabinet Ministers, the Clerk to Parliament, State House Controller and Members of Parliament from Mbarara District.
