RELIGION

Pope Francis has appointed Paul Ssemogerere as the new Archbishop of Kampala, replacing the late Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, and opening a new chapter in Uganda's Catholic church leadership.

His appointment was announced by the pope's envoy to Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco, at Rubaga in Kampala on Thursday, a function attended by part of the archdiocese's leadership, including the Chancellor, Msgr Charles Kasibante.

The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Luigi Bianco, delivered the announcement at Rubaga. (Credit: Juliet Lukwago)

Ssemogerere has been serving as the Apostolic Administrator of Kampala Archdiocese since his appointment to that role in April this year following the death of his precedecessor, Lwanga, on April 3.

In his brief message, he said he is "highly honoured" to be appointed as the new Kampala Archbishop.

He added he has gathered "courage to take on this responsibiliy" and that he desires "to be and remain a good and simple priest".

Ssemogerere, who has served as bishop of Kasana-Luwero Diocese, thanked Pope Francis for "this trust and confidence he has put in me".

"I look forward to continued support and team work," said the 65-year-old cleric.

Ssemogerere says he is honoured to have been appointed by the pope. (Credit: Juliet Lukwago)

'Continously pray for me'

Ssemogerere's appointment comes eight months after the death of Lwanga, whose death at the age of 68 only a day after his last public appearance leading a Way of the Cross procession in Kampala, stunned the entire nation and beyond.

After his installation next year in January, Lwanga's successor will take full charge of a jurisdiction he has been overseeing in substantive capacity since being handed the task at the late archbishop's burial on April 8.

The two have both served as bishop of Kasana-Luwero. Lwanga was in charge for a decade from 1996 until 2006. Ssemogerere, who was ordained a priest in 1983, took over in 2008.

As he pledged to take on the mantle of leading the Catholics of Kampala, Ssemogerere was keen to pay tribute the man he is succeeding, describing the late Lwanga as a "visionary, hardworking focused and intelligent leader".

"I therefore ask you all (...) to constantly and continously pray for me as I do for you. And together with your understanding and co-operation, Kampala Archdiocese will continue to grow spiritually and physically.

"I am ever grateful to the Lord for my traditional calling, which has culminated in this new assignment."