JINJA, Uganda — Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tororo, as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Jinja, following the death of Bishop Charles Martin Wamika on October 22.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 29, by the Apostolic Nunciature in Uganda, confirming that Archbishop Obbo will oversee the diocese sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis — a Latin term meaning “during the vacancy and at the discretion of the Holy See.”
In a statement signed by Fr. Georges Kwami Kouwonou, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Holy See expressed appreciation to the Board of Consultors of Jinja for administering diocesan affairs since Bishop Wamika’s passing.
“The Apostolic Nunciature expresses its gratitude to His Grace Emmanuel Obbo and invokes abundant blessings upon his pastoral ministry in that local Church,” the communiqué read.
Archbishop Obbo’s appointment does not affect his current responsibilities as the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Tororo. He will continue to lead the Tororo Archdiocese while temporarily overseeing the Diocese of Jinja on behalf of the Holy Father, ensuring continuity in pastoral and administrative matters until a new bishop is appointed.
A member of the Apostles of Jesus (A.J.) congregation, Archbishop Obbo has served as Metropolitan Archbishop of Tororo since 2014. His tenure has been marked by a strong emphasis on evangelization, education, and community empowerment in Uganda’s eastern region.
The Diocese of Jinja fell vacant following the death of Rt. Rev. Charles Martin Wamika, who passed away on October 22 at 4:00 p.m., according to a statement issued by Fr. Gerald Muto, Chancellor of the Diocese of Jinja.
“It is with deep sorrow and Christian hope in the resurrection that the Diocese of Jinja announces the passing of our beloved shepherd, Rt. Rev. Charles Martin Wamika. We invite all the Clergy, Religious, and the Faithful to keep our fallen Bishop in your prayers,” he said.
Bishop Wamika, who was laid to rest on Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Jinja, was the first Ugandan to lead the diocese since its establishment in 1966. He succeeded Bishop Willigers of the Mill Hill Missionaries and had served as Bishop of Jinja since his appointment in 2010.
Under his leadership, the diocese grew significantly in both spiritual and social outreach. He was widely remembered for presiding over the 2023 Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations at Namugongo and for championing community development projects across Busoga region.
The Vatican’s decision to appoint Archbishop Obbo is seen as part of its effort to ensure stable leadership in one of Uganda’s most historically significant dioceses. “This appointment guarantees pastoral continuity during a time of mourning and transition,” said Fr. Paul Lule, a Catholic scholar based in Kampala. “Archbishop Obbo’s leadership experience and pastoral compassion make him a natural choice to shepherd Jinja Diocese in this interim period.”
The Diocese of Jinja, carved from parts of the former Kampala Diocese, remains a key jurisdiction within Uganda’s Catholic hierarchy, known for its active clergy, vibrant laity, and contributions to the country’s faith-based education and health institutions.
As Archbishop Obbo assumes his temporary duties, the Holy See is expected to begin consultations for Bishop Wamika’s successor in the coming months.
