UGANDA: Rector of Seminary Appointed Bishop of Nebbi, Uganda

By Masereka Peter

On Tuesday, November 26, Pope Francis appointed the Rector of Uganda Martyrs National Major Seminary, Rev. Fr. Constantine Rupiny as the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nebbi, Uganda.

The announcement was made 26^th November 2024, Tuesday, by the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco.

In his announcement about the new appointment to the Christians, the Pope’s representative in Uganda Archbishop Luigi Bianco said, “The Apostolic Nunciature in Uganda has the pleasure to announce that on 26th November 2024, His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Nebbi, the Rev. Fr. Constantine Rupiny, of the Clergy of the same Diocese of Nebbi.”

Nebbi Diocese fell vacant when the Most Rev. Raphael P’mony Wokorach was elevated as the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese on 22^nd March 2024, and later in July, he was appointed as the Apostolic Administrator of the same Diocese.

Till his appointment, Monsignor Rupiny has been serving as Rector of the Uganda Martyrs’ National Major Seminary Alokolum in Gulu.

In his statement, Bianco expressed gratitude to Archbishop Wokorach for his dedicated service as Apostolic Administrator, ensuring spiritual leadership during the interim period.

Msgr. Rupuny was born on November 10, 1974, in Parombo, Nebbi catholic diocese, and has had a notable career in both pastoral and academic service. He began his philosophical studies at Uganda Martyrs’ National Major Seminary in Alokolum (1996–1999) and pursued theological studies at St Mary’s National Major Seminary in Ggaba, Archdiocese of Kampala (2000–2004).

Furthering his academic journey, Msgr. Rupiny obtained a Licentiate in Philosophy from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome (2009–2011) and a Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Poland (2018–2022).

He was ordained a priest on August 28, 2004, and has since held various pastoral and academic roles including Vicar Parish Priest in Kango (2004–2005), Parish Priest in Akanyo (2005–2007), Formator and Professor at Uganda Martyrs’ National Major Seminary, Alokolum (2007–2009, 2011–2018), Vice President of the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Nebbi (2017–2018), Vice Rector (January–September 2023) and Rector (September 2023 to date) at Uganda Martyrs’ National Major Seminary, Alokolum

As he prepares to take up his new responsibilities, the Catholic community extends prayers for God’s guidance and blessings upon Bishop-elect Rupiny in his mission to shepherd the Diocese of Nebbi.

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