Third Local Ordinary of Uganda’s Catholic Diocese of Jinja Dies at 72, Eulogized as “a pillar of development in Church”

Jinja, 22 October, 2025 / 9:15 PM

Bishop Charles Martin Wamika of the Catholic Diocese of Jinja in Uganda has passed on at the age of 72.

The third Local Ordinary of the Suffragan Diocese under the Tororo Metropolitan See died on Wednesday, October 22, the Diocesan Chancellor announced in a statement.

“It is with deep sorrow and Christian hope in the resurrection that the Diocese of Jinja announces the passing on of our shepherd,” Fr. Gerald Muto said in the October 22 statement.

He invited all the Clergy, Religious ,and the Faithful to “keep our fallen Bishop Wamika in your prayers.”

“The funeral program will be communicated later,” Fr. Muti said, and implored God to rest the soul of the late Bishop in eternal peace.

Bishop Wamika was ordained to the Priesthood for the East African nation’s Catholic Archdiocese of Tororo in September 1979 at the age of 26.

He began his Episcopal Ministry as Auxiliary Bishop of the Tororo Metropolitan See in February 1994 and has been at the helm of the Jinja Diocese since his appointment in March 2010.

In the Busoga sub-region, the news has affected the people of God and the Church community. 

Mr Michael Kifubangabo, from the St. Fatima Jinja Parish Social Communications Committee, described Bishop Wamika’s death as “a big blow to the people of Busoga.” 

“He was a pillar of development in the Church. His passing leaves a gap that will be very difficult to fill,” Mr. Kifubangabo added.

Following the news of the passing on of the Ugandan-born Catholic Church leader at Nsambaya hospital in Uganda’s capital Kampala, the people of God in the country have taken to social media to mourn his death and express their condolences to the Jinja Episcopal See.

A Facebook user, Nampa Viola recalled her encounter with the late Bishop during the 2023 pilgrimage to the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, saying , “I remember him in 2023 because he is the one who led the Holy mass at Namugongo, together with the people of Busoga and the mass was Wow.”

“You have fought a good fight, servant of God and May God comfort the Church and family,” said Akim Wangolo in his commiseration message following the passing on of the Jinja Diocese Bishop.

Known for his humility, commitment to peace, and advocacy for the underprivileged, Bishop Wamika played a pivotal role in strengthening the Catholic Church’s presence in Eastern Uganda.

In a 2023 address during the Martyrs' Day celebrations, he urged Catholics to emulate the commitment and dedication of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives due to their unwavering faith.

Reflecting on the theme of the celebration, “Lord, Increase Our Faith,” Bishop Wamika said he found it regrettable that many Catholics today are afraid of expressing their faith, despite its crucial role in overcoming challenges and attaining salvation.

“Many Catholics are too shy, if you do not share your faith it will slowly die. You need to believe in yourself,” the Ugandan Catholic Bishop said, and urged Catholics to practice and express their faith openly and without hesitation. 

He called upon the pilgrims at Namugongo Shrine to emulate the commitment and dedication of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives due to their unwavering faith.

“Do small things in a great way. Do the obvious in a unique way. With faith there is no joking,” Bishop Wamika said.