Key Events That Defined Uganda’s Landscape in 2024

Uganda Holds the 19^th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement & G77+ China Summits

The 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) took place in January 2024 at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort in Kampala, Uganda, with participation from around 90 out of the 120 NAM member states, including 30 heads of state. A major focus of the summit was the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict, with strong condemnation of Israel’s actions, particularly the military aggression against the Gaza Strip. The Kampala Declaration, released at the summit, called for urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza and a ceasefire. It also condemned Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians, forced displacement, and the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, affirming the need for a two-state solution based on the pre-1967 borders and support for Palestine’s admission to the United Nations.

The declaration further criticized Israel’s actions regarding the Occupied Syrian Golan and reiterated calls for Israel to comply with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and withdraw to the 1967 borders. Additionally, the summit expressed support for Africa’s greater representation in the UN Security Council, echoing the African Common Position as outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. Uganda also assumed the chairmanship of the Group of 77 plus China (G77+China), a major negotiating bloc of developing countries in the United Nations. President Museveni, who took over the G77+China leadership from Cuba, emphasized Uganda’s commitment to the theme “Leaving No One Behind,” urging the international community to provide targeted support to countries in need without conditionalities.

Gulu Archdiocese Gets It’s Second Archbishop

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed Bishop Raphael p’Mony Wokorach of Nebbi Diocese as the new Archbishop of Gulu. This appointment marks a significant transition for the Archdiocese, which has been under the pastoral care of His Grace John Baptist Odama since its erection in 1999.

Leadership Transition

Archbishop Odama, now 76 years old, has served as the first Metropolitan Archbishop of Gulu for 25 years. Before this, he was the inaugural Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese from 1996 to 1999. The announcement of Bishop Wokorach’s appointment was made by the Pope’s Nuncio to Uganda, His Excellency Luigi Bianco, during the celebration of Caritas Week in Nebbi Diocese.

Bishop Wokorach’s Background

Bishop Raphael p’Mony Wokorach, aged 63, had been serving as the Local Ordinary of Nebbi Diocese since his appointment by Pope Francis in March 2021. He was consecrated and installed as the fourth Bishop of Nebbi on August 14, 2021, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral. His leadership in Nebbi has been marked by a commitment to pastoral care and community development.

Commendation for Archbishop Odama

His Grace John Baptist Odama has been widely commended for his generous and dedicated service to the Catholic Church. Over the course of his ministry, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the spiritual and administrative foundations of Gulu Archdiocese and Nebbi Diocese.

Scope of Gulu Archdiocese

Archbishop Wokorach will now serve as the second Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese. The Archdiocese, spanning 27,945 square kilometers, includes three suffragan dioceses: Arua, Lira, and Nebbi. His appointment brings new leadership to the region and a continuation of the Church’s mission to serve its faithful.

The Catholic Church in Uganda Marks 60th Anniversary of the Canonisation of the Ugandan Martyrs

The Catholic Church in Uganda celebrated the 60th anniversary of the canonisation of the Ugandan Martyrs. They were canonised by Pope Paul VI on October 18, 1964, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The main events of the diamond jubilee were held on June 3, 2024, with a mass animated by Nebbi Catholic Diocese under the theme: “As for me and my household, we shall serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

The Uganda Martyrs remain extraordinary examples of Christian commitment and fidelity. They are models of faith, charity, and hope, witnessing truth and the Gospel. Their blood is regarded as the true seed of Christianity on the African continent. Beyond the 22 canonised Catholic Martyrs, there were 23 Anglican martyrs who also died for their faith in Jesus Christ. Together, they exemplified Christian communion long before the Church openly embraced ecumenism.On June 3, 1886, the largest group of martyrs—12 Catholics and 13 Anglicans—were executed by burning at Namugongo. Charles Lwanga, identified as the leader of the Catholic group, was burned separately. They recognized each other as brothers in Christ, sharing a common witness.

Journey to Canonisation

The Uganda Martyrs were beatified in 1920, 34 years after their martyrdom. However, it took another 44 years before their canonisation. This period tested the faith of believers and those promoting their devotion. Pope John XXIII played a pivotal role by reopening the process in 1958. By 1964, Pope Paul VI canonised them during the historic Vatican II Council, a time symbolising rebirth for both the Church and Africa. Pope Paul VI’s homily proclaimed, “Africa has been re-born free,” echoing the spirit of independence sweeping across the continent. As we celebrate 60 years since their canonisation, we are challenged to reflect on how the Ugandan Martyrs have inspired Christian men and women to promote freedom and renewal across Africa.

Uganda Martyrs Relics Exhibition

 

The exhibition of the first-class miraculous relics of the Uganda Martyrs opened for free to the public at the Uganda Martyrs University Lubaga Campus from 14^th September to 31^st October 2024.The exhibition themed “God and Caesar – An historical exhibition on the 60^th anniversary of the Uganda Martyrs’ Canonization” brought for the first time since taken to Rome, Vatican for preservation by Missionaries of Africa (MAFr) The sacred artefacts, including the bones of Saints Charles Lwanga and Matthias Mutumba, were taken to the Vatican in the 1940s during the Catholic Church’s process of pursuing their canonization. They have been preserved there ever since.

Among the items exhibited were crosses made from the trees where some of the martyrs met their deaths—a cross crafted from a muvule tree at the site where Saint Matthias Mulumba was martyred, and another from a tree where Saint Noah Mawaggali was tied before his execution in Kiyinda-Mityana Catholic Diocese.Catholic faithful have been using the opportunity to reflect on the unwavering faith of the Uganda Martyrs and renew their commitment to the theme: “We the baptized, let us journey together in communion, participation, and mission in the footsteps of the Uganda Martyrs.”

The story of the first-class relics of the martyrs.

Available information reveals that after learning about the deaths of the young converts in 1890, Bishop (later Archbishop) Leon Livinhac, the leader of the White Fathers who had arrived in Buganda, approached Cardinal Lavigerie, Superior General of the White Fathers and Primate of Africa. Livinhac proposed that the slain “boys” be considered for canonization, and Cardinal Lavigerie encouraged him to initiate the process.
In the book Les Martyrs de l’Ouganda (translated as Uganda: The Land of Martyrs), authored by Sister Marie-André of the Sacred Heart from the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (White Sisters), the process of acquiring the first-class relics of the two martyrs is detailed.

The book notes that following Cardinal Lavigerie’s instructions on the canonization process, the preservation of the martyrs’ remains was prioritized. Cardinal Lavigerie emphasized the importance of thoroughly investigating and preserving the relics with the utmost respect, including any instruments used in their torture and personal belongings associated with them. There was a determination to acquire the relics at any cost. For instance, in a letter to Bishop Livinhac as captured by Sister Marie-André, the Cardinal wrote, “We must not shy away from any financial sacrifice to gain possession of such precious memories, particularly the bones of each of the martyrs.”

However, obtaining the first-class relics proved challenging, as many had perished in fires or were otherwise indistinguishable, resulting in a dead end.  The remains of those martyred in Namugongo were initially left unattended. However, later, Christopher Kisosonkole, the maternal grandfather of Kabaka Mutebi, arranged for their respectful burial at Nakiyanja. Over their grave, a chapel was built, which is now enclosed within the Uganda Martyrs Museum. This mass grave serves as the altar for an ecumenical chapel used by both Anglicans and Catholics. Meanwhile, for earlier Martyrs, such as Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe, from the initial wave of persecution starting in 1885, little attention had been given to the preservation of their remains, making it impossible to trace them by the time the inquiry commenced.

During the initial stages, efforts were made to preserve the remains of the Martyrs, but only those of Charles Lwanga and Matia Mulumba were successfully obtained.In his 1935 book Eddiini mu Uganda, Rev. Fr. J.L. Ddiba documented that the remains of Charles (Karoli) Lwanga were retrieved from the site of his death by Deni Kamyuka and Leon Lwanga, who had survived the purge. The remains were carefully preserved by the missionaries in a metallic box and buried. However, there came a time when the box couldn’t be located until 1892 when it was unearthed.

Fr Ddiba notes that initially, Bishop Hirth assumed that all the remains belonged to Charles Lwanga. Yet, after consulting the diary of Fr Simeon Lourdel commonly known as Mapeera, it was revealed that there were remains of two individuals. Subsequently, they were examined, separated, and kept as relics. The Uganda Martyrs were later officially proclaimed Saints by Pope Paul VI on Mission Sunday, October 18, 1964, at the close of the historic Second Vatican Council. This recognition came 78 years after their deaths and marked them as the first Black African Saints of the Roman Catholic Church. The Uganda Martyrs were 45 young converts (including 22 Catholic and 23 Anglican) who were killed because of their faith between 1885 and 1887 mostly on orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda.

UBOS Releases 2024 National Population & Housing Census (NPHC)

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) unveiled the preliminary results of the 2024 National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) on June 27, 2024. The main report is scheduled for release on October 3, 2024, at the Kampala Serena Hotel. The census, conducted to gather comprehensive demographic and socio-economic data, highlights key trends in Uganda’s population.

Key Findings:

• Population Growth – Uganda’s population has grown significantly, reaching 45.9 million people in 2024. This marks an increase of 11.3 million people compared to the 2014 census.
• Age Structure – Uganda continues to be a youthful nation, with over half of its population under the age of 17. This youthful demographic emphasizes the need for targeted policies in education, health, and employment.
• Gender Distribution – Women constitute 51% of the population, reaffirming their majority in Uganda’s demographic composition.
• Religious Affiliations – Religious diversity remains a defining feature of Uganda, with Catholics and Anglicans collectively accounting for 67% of the population. Catholics represent 37%, while the Anglican denomination contributes to a significant share. Notably, the Pentecostal/Evangelical community has grown from 11% in 2014 to 15% in 2024, with the most notable increase among individuals aged 20-29 years.
• Population Distribution
  • Buganda sub-region holds the largest population, with 13.0 million people.
  • Busoga sub-region follows with 4.4 million people.
  • Karamoja sub-region has the smallest population, totaling 1.4 million people.
• Age Dependency Ratio – The age dependency ratio stands at 89%, with child dependency contributing 82% and elderly dependency accounting for 6%. This indicates that for every 100 working-age individuals, there are 89 dependents.
• Daytime Urban Populations – The census also highlighted the daytime population within cities, which totals 4.2 million individuals. Kampala Capital City accounts for the highest share at 42.8%, while Soroti City has the smallest daytime population, at 3.2%.

Nebbi Catholic Diocese Gets it’s Fifth Bishop

Nebbi Catholic Diocese was enveloped in excitement on Tuesday 26^th November as the Catholic faithful received the joyous news of their new bishop’s election. During a briefing at Nebbi Cathedral Parish, His Grace Raphael P’Omony Wokorach, the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, announced that Pope Francis had appointed Rev. Fr. Constantine Rupiny as the new Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese. The Holy Father’s appointment of Rev. Fr. Constantine Rupiny, a clergy member of the Diocese of Nebbi and the current Rector of the Uganda Martyrs’ National Major Seminary in Alokolum (Archdiocese of Gulu), marks a new era for the diocese.

Bishop-Elect Constantine Rupiny: A Distinguished Journey

His Excellency Msgr. Constantine Rupiny was born on November 10, 1974, in Parombo, within the Diocese of Nebbi. He embarked on his academic and spiritual formation by studying philosophy at the Uganda Martyrs’ National Major Seminary in Alokolum (Archdiocese of Gulu) from 1996 to 1999, followed by theological studies at St. Mary’s National Major Seminary in Ggaba (Archdiocese of Kampala) from 2000 to 2004.

Fr. Rupiny pursued advanced studies overseas, earning a licentiate in philosophy from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome (2009-2011) and a doctorate in dogmatic theology from the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Poland (2018-2022). He was ordained to the priesthood on August 28, 2004.

Extensive Pastoral and Academic Experience

Throughout his priestly ministry, Bishop-elect Rupiny has served in various significant roles:

• 2004-2005: Parish Vicar of Kango
• 2005-2007: Parish Priest of Akanyo
• 2007-2009, 2011-2018: Formator and Professor at Uganda Martyrs’ National Major Seminary, Alokolum
• 2017-2018: Vice President of the Presbyteral Council of Nebbi
• January-September 2023: Vice Rector of Uganda Martyrs’ National Major Seminary, Alokolum
• Since September 2023: Rector of Uganda Martyrs’ National Major Seminary, Alokolum

A Bright Future for Nebbi Diocese

The announcement of Rev. Fr. Constantine Rupiny as Bishop of Nebbi Diocese has been met with immense joy and gratitude by the faithful. With his extensive pastoral experience, academic excellence, and deep spiritual dedication, Bishop-elect Rupiny is well-positioned to lead the diocese into a promising new chapter. As the Diocese of Nebbi prepares for his installation, the Catholic community looks forward to his leadership and pastoral care, praying for his fruitful episcopal ministry.