Bishop Charles Martin Wamika, the beloved shepherd of Jinja Diocese, was laid to rest on Tuesday at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rubaga Hill, in Jinja City, where he had served the Catholic Church for over 15 years.
Hundreds of Christians, clergy, and dignitaries gathered to honour his life, ministry, and lasting contributions to faith, peace, and community development.
A solemn requiem mass was led by Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo of the Archdiocese of Tororo, assisted by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala and other bishops and priests from across Uganda.
President Museveni was represented by Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Nakadama, who delivered the President’s condolence message, alongside Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba.
From early morning, worshippers thronged Rubaga Hill to pay their final respects to Bishop Wamika, describing him as humble, prayerful, and dedicated to both spiritual guidance and community development.
Archbishop Obbo praised the late Bishop for his humility, vision, and for establishing more than 23 parishes across the diocese, urging Christians to remain united as they await the appointment of a new bishop.
Lukia Nakadama lauded Bishop Wamika’s contributions to moral and spiritual growth and thanked him for expanding the Church’s presence in Mayuge District, noting her personal experiences of his prayers and blessings.
Other dignitaries, including Central Busoga Anglican Bishop Patrick Wakula and Busoga Kingdom’s Katikkiro Dr. Joseph Muvawala, remembered him as a unifying figure who fostered interfaith dialogue and community empowerment.
At around 4:30pm, Bishop Wamika was laid to rest in a specially prepared grave inside the cathedral, among the faithful he led.
Rev. Fr. Georges Kwami Kouwonou from the Apostolic Nunciature announced that the Vatican would soon appoint an Apostolic Administrator, while leadership of the diocese temporarily rests with the Board of Consultors, chaired by Fr. Charles Bukini.
Bishop Wamika’s tenure was marked by parish expansion, promotion of education and social development, and a steadfast commitment to peace and unity.
As Rubaga Cathedral’s bells tolled, thousands mourned, prayed, and celebrated a life devoted to God and His people.
“He fought the good fight, he kept the faith, and he has finished the race.” — (2 Timothy 4:7).
