Archbishop Ssemogerere consecrates Msgr Mukasa a Bishop of Kasana Luwero.

By Jjunju Francis

05^th August 2023

The Archbishop of Kampala Paul Ssemogerere has consecrated the New Bishop of Kasana Luwero diocese Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa and also guided him in taking canonical possession of the diocese.

He was assisted by His Excellence Archbishop Luigi Bianco the Pope Nuncio to Uganda and Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Antony Zziwa the Bishop of Kiyinda Mityana Diocese also the Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference.

He consecrated him with holy oils or Chrism oils and later presented to him instruments of power that is the Bishop’s Chair, Coat of Arms, Miter, Pectoral Cross, Crozier, Ring and Zucchetto.

Before the consecration ceremony the principal consecrator of the new Bishop of Kasana Luwero diocese now Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa, Archbishop Ssemogere has implored him to keep the three canonical roles.

In his homily at Kasana Luwero diocesan grounds where the function was held Archbishop Ssemogerere said the three canonical roles for the priests and pastors are; teaching, sanctifying, and governing functions.

He told the new bishop that he must be ready to teach the word of God to God’s flock in Kasana Luwero and beyond as described by the Roman Catholic Church and in full respect to the leader of the Roman Catholic Church who is the Pope.

On Sanctifying Archbishop Ssemogerere said the Catholic Church gains its strength from the cerebration of the sacraments

The sacraments help Christians know their relationship with God throughout life’s transitions. They also help them to be nourished, strengthened, and express their faith.

On governance His Grace said Bishop Mukasa has to be ready to guide the people in line with the set laws of the Catholic Church in order for the Church to fulfill its divine mandate to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. This also calls on him to administer all the property the diocese owns in the best interest of the Christians.

The motto chosen by the new bishop of Kasana Luwero Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa is “Dominus Est” – It’s the Lord.

The Motto should help him support the flock through the existing challenges; poverty, disease (HIV/AIDS), Land grabbing, Human sacrifice, secularism, apostasy and may other challenges including liberation war effects still challenge Christians within the diocese that covers civil districts of Luwero, Nakasongola and Nakaseke. It is estimated to have 250,000 Catholics.

Archbishop Ssemogerere urged him to seek God’s guidance to keep God’s flock without fear but keeping watch over himself.

He called upon the diocesan administration and Christians to love and support the new Bishop like they have done to the past ordinaries the late Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga who served the diocese from 1997 to 2006 and now Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere who served the same diocese as the second Bishop from 2008 to January 2022.

The function has been graced by among other dignitaries; the Vice President of Uganda Jessica Alupo, ministers and Members of Parliament, Katikiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga and leaders of other religious denominations from the area.