Joyce Namugambe
The Diocese of Kasana Luwero has recieved the 3rd Bishop who has been consecreted and installed by the Archbishop of Kampala Diocese Paul Semwogerere being accompanied by the Pope’s representative in Uganda Archbishop Luin Bianco together with other believers.
In the letter that confirmed that he was chosen by the pope to be the Bishop of Kasana Luwero Diocese which was read by the cordinator of the Diocese Msgr Francis Xavier Mpanga, the letter showed that Bishop Lawrence Mukasa has fulfilled the qualities of a good leader, one of being an exemplary leader which attracted the pope to choose him.
The pope encouraged him to faithfully lead the flock of Kasana luwero. He called upon catholics in the area to respect their new leader.
The main celebrant and the Archbishop of Kampala Diocese Paul Semwogerere appreciated those who have been working together to manage the diocese when it wasnot yet given the new leader.
He arged brothers and sisters in kasana luwero to work together with the new bishop towards the success of the church within the challenges the church goes through such as, land grabbin , human sacrifices among others, but they need to recognise the presence of the lord in spritual and leberal aspects through out the challenges.
In the book of prophet isaiah, he encouraged the believers to base on this scripture to love and work together with the new bishop.
The Archbishop appealed to people of kasana to welcome and embrace with faith Gods servant for them, remain obedient to their bishop and collaborate with him. He added that just as they loved him, they should love the new Bishop the more, just as they supported him, they should support him more, sothat they make things easy for him during his service.
He cautioned him to stand firm throughout the challenges in luwero such as poverty, land conflicts, diseases, the effects of the war that continues to affect luwero, murder, but he shoud continue appreciating God who has stood with them because the lord has chosen him to lead kasana luwero.
He has conveyed the message from Cardinal Wamala who has sent his regards to Bishop Lawrence and encouraged him to stand firm while serving the lord. “Stand firm, for the lord is with you.” He noted.
The Principal Consecrator Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere followed by other Bishops are Laying their hands upon the head of the Bishop-Elect, Lawrence Mukasa. This session of Prayer is called the Consecration Part of Ordination ” The Lord has chosen his own for his people
The Principal Consecrator His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, the Clergy, and all the faithful kneel down to pray for the Bishop-Elect, who is also prostrating Himself deeply as the entire Congregation chants the Litany of Saints, being led by the Choir.
In his speech being read by the Vice President of Uganda His Excellency Major Jessica Allupo, His Excellency the president of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museven has commended the predicessors of the new Bishop noting the late Cyprian Kizito Lwanga who was the First Bishop of the Diocese and Archbishop Paul Ssemwogere who was the second Bishop of the Diocese, for working hard to see that the Diocese shines. He commended the Catholic church for working together with the goverment for social economic change to the people and for extending social services such as education, through constructing schools for the people.
He encouraged church leaders to join the campaigns through goverment programs such as wealth creation programs to eradicate poverty among the people of Uganda. He arged the people of Kasana Luwero diocese to pray and support the new Bishop during his service.
In her own words the vice president of the republic of Uganda His Excellency Major Jessica Alupo commended the new Bishop for teaching the seminarians in Katigondo during the time when it was hard for education to be conducted, which showed that he was committed for service.
She delivered and handed over the gift of a brand new land cruiser Prado to Bishop Lawrence Mukasa.
The Pope’s representative in Uganda Archbishop Luigi Bianco has commended the congratulated Bishop Lawrence for his appointment and conveyed the blessings from the Pope to the Catholics on Uganda.
In the Katikkiro’s speech being read by the First Deputy Katikkiro of Buganda Owek Haji Twaha Kawaase Kigongo, the Katikkiro Owek Charles Peter Mayiga commended the new Bishop for working together with the Kingdom of Buganda for development, noting that he joined the kingdom in spear heading the cause of the Tofaali which was aimed at developing the kingdom activities. He appealed to the Buganda chiefs in Luwero to work together with Bishop during his responsibilities.
The Kabaka of Buganda His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi the II was represented by the Nalinnya Agnes Nabaloga who delivered the gift from the Kabaka to Bishop Lawrence Mukasa.
Uganda Episcopal conference, Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa has expressed gratitude for the massive day that the lord has made to the diocese of kasana luwero, and arged them to mantain the vibrancy of faith in the Diocese and commended the president for honouring their invitation and delegated Jessica Allupo, which according to him, shows freedom of worship to the church from the government.
He apealed to the bishop to keep the church alive and stand with the believers throughout the challenges the church goes through, and assured him of the support needed from the Uganda Episcopal Conference.
The Buganda chief for Bulemeezi Kangaawo Prince Ronald Mulondo, said that their gathering at this function is not only to celebrate the Bishop’s appointment, but to show him that they are committed to work together with him, not to sympathise with him when he is facing challenges, but to join him find means of overcoming the challenges during his leadership.
Minister of state for higher education Dr. JC Muyingo, has warmly welcomed Bishop Lawrence and said that the Bishop has come at a time when the diocese needed him the most, and the catholic Christians at the diocese have worked hand in hand to welcome him. He has pledged to love and work together with the Bishop when he is executing his responsibilities.
The coordinator for Kasana luwero who has been taking the diocese responsibilities, Msgr Fr. Francis Xavier Mpanga Welcomed every one who made it to be part of the function, and thanked the Almighty who has been with the diocese without a bishop for the period of 1year and 3 months.
He appreciated all who have worked together with the diocese of kasana to see that Luwero Diocese is a success, noting the late Cyprian kizito lwanga who was the first bishop of the diocese, Paul Ssemwogerere who was the second bishop, the president for the support towards the function, Mityana believers being led by Bishop Anthony Zziwa, Pope Nuccio to Uganda Archbishop Luigi Bianco, all parishes, schools in Luwero, Hospitals, all religious leaders, MPs, Ministers especially John Chryzestom Muyingo, organizations such as centenary bank and KCB bank, Humble servants, Friends of the Archbishop, the organising committee led by Revrand Fr. Joseph Kakooza Nyanzi and his team among others.
In his speech, Bishop Lawrence Mukasa commended his predecessors including the late Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga and Archbishop Paul Ssemwogerere for setting light to the Kasana Luwero Diocese, and extended his gratitude towards the Pope, for giving him this responsibility which he pledged to fulfill.
He commended all people who have worked together to see that the function is a success. He pledged to cooperate with the government for the betterment of the lives of Ugandans in the area, and appreciated the gift of a car that the president has donated to the diocese of Kasana Luwero.
He also appreciated the Kabaka of Buganda His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi the II for the gift and the message He sent to him through the Nalinnya.
He has asked the Catholic Christians in Kasana Luwero to pray for the Anglican church in Luwero diocese so that they also over come the storm they are going through so that they get to the day of the installation of the Luwero Diocese Bishop.
He has announced the Diocese Coordinator Msgnr Fr. Francis Xavier Mpanga as the Vickar General of the diocese.
Bishop Lawrence Mukasa was born on 14 April 1957 in Nabwiiri, Mwera Parish.
The Pope chose him as the 3rd Bishop of Kasana Luwero Diocese on 29 April 2023.
He has bee the Vickar General of Kiyinda Mityana Diocese since 2005.
He was ordinated a priest 21 August 1981 by Cardinale Emmanuel Wamala the Kiyinda Mityan Diocese Bishop then
