Nebbi, Uganda – History was made today at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral in Nebbi as Rev. Fr. Dr. Constantine Rupiny was ordained and installed as the fifth Bishop of Nebbi Catholic Diocese, becoming the youngest bishop in Uganda at the age of 50. The solemn Episcopal consecration and installation ceremony, attended by thousands of faithful, dignitaries, and clergy, marked a significant moment for the diocese as it prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary tomorrow.
The ordination Mass, which began at 10:00 AM EAT, was led by the Principal Consecrator, His Grace Raphael P’Mony Wokorach, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Gulu. He was joined by Principal Co-Consecrators Archbishop Luigi Bianco, the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, and Rt. Rev. Acquirinus Francis Kibira, Bishop of Kasese. The presence of high-ranking Church leaders underscored the importance of the occasion, with Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo as the Chief Guest and Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, among other notable figures, in attendance.
Born on November 10, 1974, in Parombo within Nebbi Diocese, Bishop Rupiny brings a wealth of academic and pastoral experience to his new role. Ordained a priest on August 28, 2004, he holds a Licentiate in Philosophy from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome and a Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Poland. Until his appointment, he served as the Rector of Uganda Martyrs’ National Major Seminary Alokolum in Gulu, a position he held since September 2023.
In the homily, Archbishop Wokorach expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for the swift appointment of the Ordinary of Nebbi. “I thank His Holiness Pope Francis for giving us a shepherd very quickly after my appointment to Gulu”, drawing applause from the congregation. The appointment of the Bishop is not always as fast as that. In the recent past, Soroti waited five years to receive an Ordinary.
Reflecting on the day’s readings during his homily, Archbishop P’Mony Wokorach emphasized the essence of a bishop’s role. “The Bishop-elect is consecrated not as a ruler or boss, but as a shepherd who will walk with and among the flock—sometimes leading from the front, sometimes guiding from behind, and at times standing in the middle,” he said. The Archbishop, who himself served as Bishop of Nebbi from 2021 until his elevation to Gulu in March 2024, highlighted Rupiny’s calling to embody Christ’s pastoral care.
The appointment of Bishop Rupiny, announced by the Holy See on November 26, 2024, fills a vacancy left by Archbishop Wokorach’s transfer. Since July 2024, Wokorach has served as Apostolic Administrator of Nebbi, ensuring continuity until a new shepherd was named.
Tomorrow, Sunday, February 23, 2025, the diocese will hold a Thanksgiving Mass to celebrate not only Bishop Rupiny’s ordination but also the 25th anniversary of Nebbi Catholic Diocese’s erection on February 23, 1996, by Pope John Paul II. Established under the patronage of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the diocese has grown significantly, serving over 549,000 Catholics across 5,098 square kilometers, according to 2021 statistics. The dual celebration is expected to draw even larger crowds as the faithful honor both their new bishop and a quarter-century of faith.
Bishop Rupiny succeeds a legacy of shepherds including Archbishop John Baptist Odama, Bishop Martin Luluga, Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok, and Archbishop Wokorach. His extensive background in theology and seminary formation is seen as a promise of vibrant leadership for Nebbi’s future.
