The Church of Uganda has elected Rev. Canon Gaster Nsereko as the 7th Bishop of the West Buganda Diocese. The announcement was made following a meeting of the House of Bishops at Acaki Hotel in Kitgum Diocese. This election is set to bring a new chapter to the diocese, with Rev. Canon Nsereko’s consecration and enthronement scheduled for March 30, 2025, at St Paul’s Cathedral, Kako.
Born on July 5, 1965, in Bbira Naakuwadde Busiro, Wakiso District, Rev. Canon Gaster Nsereko has risen through the ranks of the Church of Uganda, demonstrating a profound commitment to his faith and community. His journey to the bishopric reflects a path of dedication, service, and leadership within the church.
Past Bishops of West Buganda Diocese
To understand the significance of Rev. Canon Nsereko’s election, it’s insightful to look at the lineage of his predecessors, each contributing uniquely to the diocese’s development:
- First Bishop – Rt. Rev. Dunstan Nsubuga (1972-1982): The inaugural bishop of West Buganda, Rt. Rev. Nsubuga was instrumental in establishing the diocese’s foundations. His tenure was marked by efforts to consolidate the church’s presence in the region amidst post-independence challenges.
- Second Bishop – Rt. Rev. Misaeri Kauma (1982-1994): Following Nsubuga, Bishop Kauma’s leadership was notable for expanding the diocese’s outreach programs, particularly in education and health, aligning with broader national development goals.
- Third Bishop – Rt. Rev. Elia Paul Luzinda Kizito (1994-2003): Bishop Kizito focused on youth engagement and evangelism, aiming to rejuvenate the church’s vibrancy by involving younger members more actively in church activities.
- Fourth Bishop – Rt. Rev. John Baptist S. Kaggwa (2003-2012): Bishop Kaggwa’s term saw significant infrastructural developments, including the construction and renovation of churches, schools, and health facilities, enhancing the diocese’s physical presence.
- Fifth Bishop – Rt. Rev. Henry Katumba-Tamale (2012-2016): Known for his pastoral care and theological depth, Bishop Katumba-Tamale worked on strengthening the spiritual life of the diocese, emphasizing discipleship and community service.
- Sixth Bishop – Rt. Rev. James Ssebagala (2016-2025): Bishop Ssebagala’s tenure focused on reconciliation and peace-building within the diocese, especially in light of the political and social turbulence in Uganda. His leadership also saw an increase in digital evangelism, adapting to modern communication methods.
The Future Under Rev. Canon Nsereko
Rev. Canon Gaster Nsereko steps into a legacy of diverse leadership styles and priorities. His election comes at a time when the Church of Uganda, like many religious institutions, faces the challenge of remaining relevant in an increasingly digital and globalized world. His background and the expectations set by his predecessors suggest a potential focus on:
- Youth Involvement: Following the trend set by Bishop Kizito, Nsereko might prioritize engaging the youth, leveraging their energy and perspective for church growth.
- Community Development: Building on the infrastructural work of Bishop Kaggwa, Nsereko could continue or expand initiatives that improve community welfare through church-led projects.
- Digital Outreach: Inspired by Bishop Ssebagala’s digital strides, enhancing the church’s digital presence could be key, ensuring the message of the church reaches beyond traditional boundaries.
- Spiritual and Pastoral Care: Like Bishop Katumba-Tamale, a focus on deepening the spiritual life of the congregation could be central, providing pastoral care in a manner that addresses contemporary issues.
Rev. Canon Gaster Nsereko’s selection as the new bishop is not just a continuation of tradition but an opportunity for innovation and growth within the West Buganda Diocese. As he prepares for his consecration, the community looks forward with hope, expecting his leadership to bring forth new initiatives while honoring the rich history of the diocese.
