Pope appoints Archbishop Obbo as apostolic administrator of Jinja Diocese

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Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo of Tororo Archdiocese as the apostolic administrator of Jinja Diocese, a week after the death of Bishop Charles Martin Wamika.

Obbo's appointment is to ensure the continued spiritual care of the faithful.

Wamika died last Wednesday (October 22) at the age of 72, creating a vacancy at the helm of the diocese.

His death sent the Catholic Church in Uganda into mourning until his final journey on Tuesday, when he was laid to rest.

The pope has now appointed Obbo to guide Jinja Diocese through its period of transition.

This was confirmed by the Apostolic Nunciature in Uganda, which is the official diplomatic mission of the Holy See, through a communique dated October 29, 2025, and signed by Fr Georges Kwami Kouwonou, the secretary to the Nunciature.

Obbo will serve as apostolic administrator "sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis," meaning he will administer the diocese until a new bishop is appointed by the pope.

His term will be at the discretion of the Holy See.

This appointment ensures the smooth functioning of diocesan affairs, including the celebration of Mass, the administration of the sacraments, and the pastoral care of the faithful during this challenging time.

The Apostolic Nunciature also expressed its profound gratitude to the Board of Consultors of Jinja for their dedicated efforts in maintaining the governance of the diocese following Wamika's demise.

"Their leadership during this critical period has been crucial in preserving order and ensuring continuity," said the Apostolic Nunciature.

"The Apostolic Nunciature expresses its gratitude to His Grace Emmanuel Obbo and invokes abundant blessings upon his pastoral ministry in that local Church."

The local church and the wider Catholic community in Uganda are encouraged to pray for the repose of the soul of Bishop Wamika and for the guidance and strength of Archbishop Obbo as he undertakes his new responsibilities in Jinja.

In the Catholic Church, the episcopal see falls vacant when a reigning bishop dies. The college of consultors takes charge of the administration of the diocese until they elect a diocesan administrator within eight days after the see falls vacant, or the Holy See may appoint an apostolic administrator.