Jinja Diocese In Mourning: Bishop Charles Martin Wamika Passes On At 72

By Our Reporter

The Catholic community in Jinja is mourning the passing of Rt. Rev. Charles Martin Wamika, the Bishop of Jinja Diocese, who died on Wednesday afternoon at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala. He was 72.

His death was confirmed in an official statement issued by the Diocesan Chancellor, Fr. Gerald Muto, who described the moment as a deep loss to the Church and the faithful. The Uganda Episcopal Conference also shared its condolences in a social media post, honoring Bishop Wamika as a devoted servant of God and a true shepherd of the people.

Bishop Wamika made history as the first African to lead the Diocese of Jinja since the days of the Mill Hill Fathers in the 1800s. He succeeded the late Rt. Rev. Joseph Bernard Louis Willigers, who guided the diocese for more than four decades.

Born on August 12, 1953, in Namengo, Budaka District, Bishop Wamika dedicated his life to priestly service from an early age. He studied at St. Peter’s Claver College and Saint Pius X Minor Seminary in Nagongera before pursuing philosophy and theology at Uganda Martyrs National Major Seminary Alokolum and Ggaba National Major Seminary in Kampala.

He was ordained a priest on September 22, 1979, for the Archdiocese of Tororo. On October 18, 1993, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Tororo and was consecrated on February 19, 1994, before later being appointed Bishop of Jinja in March 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI.

For nearly two decades, Bishop Wamika served as a pillar of faith and unity in Eastern Uganda. Known for his humility and compassion, he worked tirelessly to strengthen diocesan programs in education, health, and community development. He also supported media and pastoral initiatives that deepened evangelization and fostered peace within communities.

During his 2023 address at the Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations, Bishop Wamika urged Christians to live lives of faith and sacrifice, reminding them of the example set by the Uganda Martyrs.

The Diocese of Jinja has called on Christians and people of goodwill to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.

In its message of condolence, the diocese said Bishop Wamika’s passing was a profound loss but also a reminder of the hope that Christians find in the promise of resurrection.

“He lived and died in service to the Church. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the statement read.