UGANDA: SECAM Congratulates Newly Installed Archbishop of Mbarara

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

Bishops in Africa under the continental body Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) have sent a congratulatory message to the new local Ordinary of Uganda’s Mbarara Archdiocese appreciating his commitment in serving the people of God.

“Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha, on the occasion of your installation as Archbishop of Mbarara, we members of SECAM, warmly congratulate you,” reads in part a statement signed by the SECAM President Philippe Cardinal Nakellentuba Ouédraogo, on the occasion of the installation.

The Prelates appreciate the new Archbishop for the services he has offered since his priestly ordination saying, “You have faithfully served the Church-Family of God in Mbarara since your priestly ordination in July 1991 and even more committedly since your appointment as Auxiliary Bishop in 2005.”

They add, “Your service to the Church in Uganda has not been limited to Mbarara but also to Hoima Diocese where you were Apostolic Administrator from 2009-2016. You have further served the Uganda Episcopal Conference in a number of ways including being the President of the Legal Service Commission.”

Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha who has been serving as the Auxiliary Bishop of Mbarara was appointed Archbishop on Saturday, April 25, and was installed on Saturday, June 20, taking over from his predecessor who has reached the canonical age limit.

In the statement, SECAM expresses confidence in the new Archbishop saying, “We are excited about your appointment as Archbishop. And owing to your cumulative experience in the episcopacy and dedicated services to the Church, in particular and to humanity, in general, we are confident that you will perfectly fit into the shoes of your predecessor, Most Rev. Paul K. Bakyenga, who served the Archdiocese of Mbarara for over three decades with exceptional noble and self-sacrificing qualities.

SECAM continues to commend the Archbishop Emeritus saying, “He will always be remembered for his remarkable contribution to SECAM for many years as a member of the Standing Committee of the Symposium.”

And assuring Archbishop Bainomugisha of their support, the Prelates say, “We the Bishops of Africa and Madagascar assure you of the support of our prayers in the demanding new responsibility that you are taking up today. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Star of New Evangelization and Queen of Africa, intercede for all of us.”