Bishop Banja transfers clergy in major shake up

KAMPALA - The Namirembe diocese bishop, Rt. Rev Moses Banja, has announced major restructuring involving the promotion and transfer of clergies.

Banja announced during the diocesan council meeting at the diocesan headquarters in Bishop Dunstan Nsubuga Hall on Friday, October 25, 2024, in Kampala.

In the changes Banja made, Rev Samuel Muwonge who has been the Namirembe Diocese Mission Department coordinator was transferred to Kitende parish.

Reverend Lovinsa Kiwanuka (All Photos by Peter Ssaava)

Rev Steven Lumu was moved to the diocesan offices from Mutundwe parish to assume the role of the Diocesan Mission Secretary.

Rev Abraham Muyinda who has been Namirembe Cathedral Vicar has been sent to Nkumba parish. Muyinda succeeded Rev Julius Mutebi, who was sent to Ndejje parish.

Rev Maxwell Ssebuggwawo was transferred to Kisasi from Ndejje. He succeeded Rev Emmanuel Lutaaya, who was sent to St Paul’s Cathedral as the Cathedral Vicar.

Rev Alex Sserwadda from Mityana diocese was transferred to the yet-new parish of Najjera. He is also going to lecture at the Uganda Martyrs Seminary Namugongo.

Reverend Abraham Muyinda

In other changes, Rev Noah Ntume was assigned to Namugongo archdeaconry as assistant vicar, Rev Royce Sempa was sent to Nankinga parish as a parish priest.

In a noteworthy change, Rev Steven Mpoza was transferred to the new parish of Sekiwunga, and Rev Steven Kalema retained his position as a parish priest at Kabale parish.

Rev Herbert Settumba was transferred to St Apollo Nkumba from Kyebando. He was tasked to champion the elevation of the church to parish level.

Reverend Fredrick Lubega

Other changes included Rev Christopher Kisakye, who was transferred from Mbalwa to Kitintale to elevate the parish. 

He succeeded Rev Jane Namugenyi who was sent to Kabuusu to plan for the new parish.
Rev Samuel Ssekubunga was sent to Kawanda to plan for the new parish. Rev Godfrey Kyanda was sent to Kyebando from Masajja Parish.

He was succeeded by Rev Samuel Kalibbala who was transferred from Mugongo parish.
Rev Edward Kayemba was sent to Namayumba parish, Rev Semei Sebina Sekiziyivu to the new parish of Nabweru in Nansana. 

Reverend Musisi Masengere

Rev William Kizimula Mpalanyi was transferred from St Mark Namate to Manyangwa parish.

Others included Rev Augustine Kayemba, who was transferred from Nkumba to Masuliita parish, Rev Henry Maguzi from Nateete to the new parish of Kayunga in Wakiso.

Rev Paul Kabanda Nyanzi, who was working in the diocesan estates office was transferred to Mutundwe as a parish priest. Rev Samuel Ssenyanja was sent to Mugongo parish from Kavumba.

Reverend Godfrey Mahongye

Rev Agnes Ssemwanga who was working at the cathedral was sent to Gayaza High School as a school chaplain. 

She succeeded Rev Lovinsa Kiwanuka who was sent to Mengo Senior as a chaplain.
Rev Frobia Ssebunnya who has been the assistant vicar at Martyrs Church Katwe, was promoted to a parish priest of the same parish.

She succeeded Rev Fredrick Lubega who was sent to Kisaasi parish.

In the same changes, Rev Godfrey Mahongye was transferred from Ssese parish to the diocesan estates office.

Reverend Elly Wasswa

Rev John Nkuubi was sent to Najjanankumbi from  St Apollo Nkumba, Rev Elly Wasswa was promoted to be the archdeacon of Gayaza archdeaconry, succeeding Venerable Dunstan Mazinga Kiwanuka, Who was made the Namirembe Cathedral dean.
Rev Musisi Masengere was promoted to be Archdeacon of the new Kavumba Archdeaconry. Rev Masengere alaso retained his position of Namirembe Diocese Human Resource Manager.

Bishop Banja also promoted different clergy to become canons, including his wife Rev Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja who was made the Namirembe Cathedral canon.

Others were Venerable Emmanuel Kenneth Ssewannyana, the archdeacon of Kazo, Venerable Dunstan Kiwanuka Mazinga, Venerable George Wilson Kakooza, the archdeacon of Luzira, Rev Patrick Katoloba and Rev Lovinsa Kiwanuka.

Reverend Samuel Muwonge

In his remarks, Banja explained that the new changes will be effective on January 1, 2025. In the diocesan council, announcements of the new archdeaconries of Namugongo and Kavumba were made.

The diocese has now a total of 8 archdeacons; namely Mengo, Nateete, Luzira, Ntebe and Gayaza.

In the meeting, Rev Can Jonathan Kisauzi announced his retirement from the position of the Namirembe Diocese dean, after clocking 65 years as stated in the church of Uganda constitution. He will hand over office earlier next year.