UGANDA: Rt Rev Constantine Rupiny Installed as Fifth Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese
Masereka Peter
Joy filled the Catholic Diocese of Nebbi on 22nd Feb 2025 as Christians from Uganda and across boarders gathered to witness the ordination and instillation of Rt. Rev Constantine Rupiny as the Fifth Bishop.
The seat of Bishop in Nebbi Catholic Diocese was vacant after the appointment of Most Rev. Raphael p’Mony Wokorach 22nd March 2024 three years after his appointment as Bishop of Nebbi.
Shortly after reading the Pope’s message of appointment of Bishop Constantine from the Holy See in Rome, His Excellency Bianco Luigi the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda confirmed the appointment to the cheering congregation held at the Diocesan Ceremonial ground.
The principal Consecrator the Archbishop Raphael p’Omony Wokorach of Gulu, urged the newly consecrated Bishop to shepherd the flock without fear or favour as Jesus did and further assured him of the full protection of the Holy Spirit
Most Rev Raphael p’Mony Wokorach, M.C.C.I., the Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Gulu was assisted by Archbishop Luigi Bianco the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda and Bishop Francis Aquirinus Kibira of Kasese as co-consecrators.
In his speech, Bishop Rupiny reiterated his commitment to serving all the people of God, pledging to work closely with the clergy, Religious, and laity. Acknowledging some positive strides made by government-driven wealth creation initiatives, he also highlighted the pressing issue of poverty in the diocese.
In his homily, Archbishop Wokorach expressed concern over political divisions affecting the region, saying they have noted that some young people are engaging in politics for selfish reasons.
“It is divisive, manipulative politics which cannot bring development to the people,” he cautioned,” he said.
He further lamented the poor state of infrastructure and essential services, linking them to the consequences of political interference.
“Also, roads, schools, and health centres are in poor conditions because of the pangs of bad politicization. We have politics that is highly commercialized, divisive, and manipulative instead of serving the common good,” added Archbishop Wokorach.
Encouraging the new bishop to remain steadfast in his mission, Archbishop Wokorach reminded him of the people’s yearning for justice and healing.
Wakoroch said much as the people feel confused, they are the people God has sent you to. This is your new Galilee. Uganda longs for justice and healing. You will be the elder of unity, hope, and encouragement, encouraging him to embrace his role with humility and obedience.
Uganda’s Vice President, Jessica Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Museveni, pledged the government’s support to the mission of the Church. In her speech, she called on Bishop Rupiny to embrace his role with selfless service.
“The responsibility of shepherding the flock is an opportunity to serve the people of God. Give yourself selflessly and utilize the vast experience you have in doing the work of God to his people. Challenges of leadership will require God’s intervention and preaching the gospel of love, unity, and hard work,” she said.
She also emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and religious leaders in addressing poverty: “Let us join hands to fight poverty among our people who are still outside the money economy. Religious leaders should continue to preach the gospel of hard work until everyone is brought into the money economy.”
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