The Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba, has called for renewed commitment to hygiene, hard work, and environmental protection as the Diocese celebrated its Masaka Diocesan Day and the Feast of Christ the King.
The Bishop made the declaration during a Holy Mass where he reflected on the Diocese’s long journey of evangelization, noting that it has been 72 years since Masaka Diocese was formally established in 1953 under Bishop Joseph Kiwanuka Nakabaale, and 86 years since it was first erected as a Vicariate in 1939 under Bishop Henry Sintensera.
During the celebration, Bishop Jjumba launched the theme for the year, “Tunnyikize Obuyonjo n’okutaasa obutonde bw’ensi nga Tusingaye mu Katabi,” which calls on Christians to promote hygiene and environmental protection within their Basic Christian Communities.
In his homily, he expressed deep concern over what he described as excessive laziness among some people, both spiritually and physically. He criticized those who spend their days drinking alcohol from morning to evening, as well as individuals who spend hours discussing politics with no intention of working, instead waiting for politicians to give them money. He warned that such habits weaken families, communities, and the moral fabric of society.
The Bishop emphasized that every home in Masaka Diocese must take practical steps to improve hygiene and protect the environment. He instructed families to ensure they have a proper toilet, a drying rack, and a designated place for garbage collection where waste is sorted into compostables, bottles, plastics, and polythene bags.
He also stressed the need for households to secure clean and safe water and announced that every home is expected to plant at least five fruit trees this year. Schools were also tasked to plant trees and to teach learners the importance of caring for Mother Earth.
As part of the implementation of this year’s theme, all 64 parishes, including newly requested pastoral centres, were instructed to hold planning meetings under the guidance of Caritas MADDO to ensure that the Bishop’s directives are put into action.
He noted that poor hygiene is not only a problem in homes but has also spread to churches, where some users fail to clean after themselves. He warned that the Church will closely monitor these situations to ensure improvement.
Bishop Jjumba also addressed the growing problem of improper disposal of baby diapers, condemning parents who throw them on roadsides, in drainage channels, and on people’s land.
He explained that such irresponsible behavior blocks water flow, causes flooding, and contributes to environmental degradation. He urged Christians to protect the environment while respecting the dignity of human life and nature.
During the same function, the Bishop recognized various individuals for their outstanding service to the Diocese, awarding them plaques in appreciation of their contributions.
Among those honored was Msgr. George William Lubega, alongside several other distinguished members of the community. The celebration brought together various leaders, including Members of Parliament led by Parliamentary Commissioner Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, officials from the Buganda Kingdom, priests, religious leaders, and a large gathering of Christians who attended the event.
