The Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Severus Jjumba, has marked seven years of episcopal ministry expressing gratitude to God for the grace to shepherd the diocese since his appointment.
The celebrations were held at Kasozi Deanery in Kasozi Parish, Rakai District.
The thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Bishop Jjumba, while the homily was delivered by Rev. Fr. Frederick Kiggundu, the Parish Priest of Mbuye Parish.
In his sermon, Fr. Kiggundu emphasized that the true measure of leadership at every level is a leader’s willingness to hear and listen to the people they serve. He said good leadership is reflected not merely in authority but in service, compassion, and accountability.
He noted that whether one is a school prefect, teacher, politician, parent, or religious leader, they are called to be good shepherds. Such leaders, he said, must care for those entrusted to them, make sacrifices for their well-being, remain faithful to their responsibilities, and show empathy in both words and actions. A good leader listens attentively, protects, guides, and loves the people under their care, ensuring that justice and service prevail.
Fr .Kiggundu stressed that these virtues should be evident in families, schools, hospitals, government institutions, parishes, and dioceses so that services reach everyone fairly and effectively. He encouraged those entrusted with leadership to constantly examine their conscience and ask themselves whether they are truly serving as good shepherds.
Whenever they encounter challenges, he urged them to look to Christ, the Good Shepherd, as the perfect example of servant leadership.
He further reminded leaders that opposition and criticism are inevitable.
” Challenges may come from those who dislike them, oppose their decisions, spread falsehoods, or seek to undermine their work. Leaders should remain steadfast in truth and justice, drawing inspiration from Saints Paul and Barnabas, who endured trials but remained faithful to their mission” Fr Kiggundu said
The thanksgiving also celebrated the major milestones achieved during Bishop Jjumba’s seven years of pastoral leadership.
Among the notable achievements are the ordination of 186 priest from 2019 to 2025.
Under his leadership, Kyotera and Kirowooza parishes were established, alongside seven new pastoral centres which include Katwe, Busheka, Mateete, Sserinnya Bbuuliro, Kisojjo, Bukasa, and Kyeera, bringing pastoral services closer to the faithful.
During the same period, four priests from Masaka Diocese were elevated to the rank of Monsignor: Msgr. Dr. Dominic Ssengooba, who also serves as Vicar General, Msgr. George Lubega, Msgr. Alipio Kyambadde, and Msgr. John Mary Lukwatta.
The diocese has also celebrated the recognition of three lay faithful as Papal Knights, including Dick Muwanga and Gertrude Nabukeera, in recognition of their outstanding service to the Church.
Beyond infrastructure and clergy formation, Bishop Jjumba’s ministry has been characterized by pastoral outreach. He has regularly visited prisoners, shared meals with inmates, ministered to the sick, administered the sacraments, and continued proclaiming the Gospel through annual pastoral themes aimed at strengthening the faith of Christians.
In addition to his pastoral responsibilities in Masaka Diocese, Bishop Jjumba serves as the President of Caritas Uganda, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Centenary Group, a Member of the Uganda Martyrs University Council, and the Patron of ASSOCAP, the association of Catholic professionals in Masaka Diocese, among other national responsibilities.
As Bishop Jjumba celebrates seven years of episcopal ministry, priests, religious, and the lay faithful expressed gratitude for his dedicated leadership, describing it as a ministry that has borne abundant spiritual and pastoral fruits.
They prayed that God continues to grant him good health, wisdom, and strength to shepherd the Diocese of Masaka with the same zeal, humility, and commitment in the years ahead.
