New Bishop Elected for Namirembe Diocese in Church of Uganda

In a significant ecclesiastical development, the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda has elected Ven. Canon Moses Banja as the new Bishop of Namirembe Diocese. The announcement was made following a meeting at St Stephen’s Cathedral Naluwerere in East Busoga Diocese, where the House of Bishops gathered to choose the successor to the retiring Bishop, Rt Rev Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira.

Ven. Canon Moses Banja, born on October 20, 1964, in Nakabugo Bbira, Busiro, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Ordained in 1996 and priested in 1998, he currently serves as the Archdeacon of Luzira Archdeaconry. Ven. Canon Banja holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Divinity from Makerere University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the same institution. He is married to Rev. Canon Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja, and they are blessed with three children.

The announcement comes after a period of anticipation, marked by the deferral of the Bishop election to allow investigations by the nominations committee. The committee examined the nominations of Ven. Canon Banja and Rev Abraham Muyinda, the Vicar of Namirembe Cathedral, both of whom emerged as top candidates from a list of 13.

The findings of the nominations committee have been carefully reviewed by the House of Bishops, leading to the election of Ven. Canon Moses Banja as the sixth Bishop of Namirembe Diocese. His consecration and enthronement are scheduled to take place on December 10, 2023, at St Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe.

This appointment follows the impending retirement of Rt Rev Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira, who has served as the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese for 14 years. Bishop Luwalira will officially retire on December 8, having reached the mandatory age of 64.

The Church of Uganda expresses its gratitude for the dedicated service of Rt Rev Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira and extends its congratulations to the newly elected Bishop, Ven. Canon Moses Banja. The transition marks a new chapter for Namirembe Diocese, and the faithful look forward to the leadership and guidance of their new spiritual shepherd.