Rev. Canon Nsereko was appointed as the 7th bishop of West Buganda on Sunday by the House of Bishops during a meeting held in Gulu to mark Luwum Day. However, the process that led to his appointment, like in many dioceses across the province, has stirred significant division among both clergy and lay Christians.
Canon Gaster Nsereko, the newly elected West Buganda Bishop, has made a heartfelt appeal to both Christians and clergy within the diocese urging them to remain calm and work together to heal the tensions that arose from the recent election process.
Rev. Canon Nsereko was appointed
as the 7th bishop of West Buganda on Sunday by the House of Bishops during a
meeting held in Gulu to mark Luwum Day. However, the process that led to his
appointment, like in many dioceses across the province, has stirred significant
division among both clergy and lay Christians.
The election was further complicated
by sponsored media campaigns, with different factions promoting competing
narratives in local and national media. The tension escalated when at least one
journalist became embroiled in the controversy and is currently under police
custody.
In an interview with our
reporters, Bishop-elect Nsereko acknowledged the strain and division caused by
the election period. He stressed the importance of unity and understanding,
urging the faithful to focus on healing and reconciliation rather than allowing
the tensions to deepen the rifts within the church.
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He added that he is ready to
serve as God desires, with his primary focus on spreading the Word of God. He
expressed his commitment to humbly seeking God's guidance and grace as he takes
on the responsibility of leading the diocese, with a heart dedicated to service
and unity.
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The Bishop-elect also emphasized
his commitment to working closely with the clergy and the faithful to develop a
strategic vision for the future direction of the diocese. He further stressed
his eagerness to collaborate with other faith-based organizations and key
stakeholders to tackle the pressing social and economic challenges faced by
Christians in the West Buganda Diocese, while also capitalizing on success
stories to inspire growth and progress.
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Meanwhile, Reverend Canon
Patrick Ssimbwa, whose nomination was unsuccessful at the House of Bishops, has
called on the Christians in the diocese to accept the outcome and offer their
support to the newly appointed bishop.
In his message to fellow clergy
and the faithful, Rev. Ssimbwa highlighted the importance of recognizing the
divine role of the House of Bishops in selecting the new shepherd for the
diocese.
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Rev. Canon Nsereko, born on July
5, 1965, has dedicated his life to the service of the Church. After his
ordination as a deacon in 1989 and priesthood in 1990, he was elevated to Canon
in 2010. He currently serves as the Archdeacon of Kakoma Archdeaconry and Vicar
of St. John’s Kakoma Church in the West Buganda Diocese.
He has also held key
positions, including Provost of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kako Masaka. The consecration and enthronement
of Bishop-elect Nsereko are scheduled for March 30, 2025, at St. Paul’s
Cathedral, Kako, in Masaka City.
