Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo, A.J., the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tororo, as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Jinja, the Apostolic Nunciature in Uganda announced Wednesday.
The appointment, effective October 29, comes after the death of Rt. Rev. Charles Martin Wamika, Bishop of Jinja, passed away on October 22.
The diocese has been vacant since his death.
Archbishop Obbo will serve sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis, a Latin phrase meaning “during the vacancy and at the discretion of the Holy See.”
In a statement signed by Fr. Georges Kwami Kouwonou, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Holy See expressed gratitude to the Board of Consultors of Jinja for overseeing diocesan governance following Bishop Wamika’s passing.
“The Apostolic Nunciature expresses its gratitude to His Grace Emmanuel Obbo and invokes abundant blessings upon his pastoral ministry in that local Church,” the communiqué read.
Role of Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo
Archbishop Obbo’s appointment does not alter his current responsibilities as the ordinary of the Archdiocese of Tororo.
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Rather, he will oversee the Diocese of Jinja on behalf of the Holy Father, guiding its pastoral and administrative affairs until a new bishop is appointed.
The Diocese of Jinja became vacant following the death of Bishop Charles Martin Wamika on Oct. 22, 2025. He was laid to rest on Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Jinja.
Bishop Wamika, who made history as the first Ugandan to lead the diocese since its founding in 1966, succeeded Bishop Willigers of the Mill Hill Missionaries.
The diocese was formed from sections of the former Kampala Diocese as part of a Vatican reorganization that also established the Archdiocese of Kampala.
Bishop Wamika Dies
The Catholic Diocese of Jinja announced the death of Bishop Charles Martin Wamika on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 4:00 PM.
In a statement, Diocesan Chancellor Fr. Gerald Muto confirmed the passing of Jinja Diocese Shepherd.
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“It is with deep sorrow and Christian hope in the resurrection that the Diocese of Jinja announces the passing of our beloved shepherd, Rt. Rev. Charles Martin Wamika. The funeral program will be communicated later. We invite all the Clergy, Religious and the Faithful to keep our fallen Bishop Wamika in your prayers. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he wrote.
Bishop Wamika presided over the momentous celebrations of 2023 Martyrs’ Day at Namugongo.
Bishop Wamika, remembered for his pastoral leadership and community outreach, has served the Diocese of Jinja since his appointment in 2010.
Funeral arrangements were held earlier this week, with faithful across Uganda mourning his death.
Archbishop Obbo, a member of the Apostles of Jesus congregation, has served as Archbishop of Tororo since 2014.
His temporary administration of the Jinja Diocese is expected to ensure continuity of pastoral care until a new bishop is appointed.
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