Jinja, Uganda | The Catholic Church in Uganda has announced that the late Rt. Rev. Charles Martin Wamika, Bishop of Jinja Diocese, will be laid to rest on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, at Jinja Cathedral, concluding a week-long programme of mourning and liturgical ceremonies across the country.
According to the official schedule issued by the Diocese of Jinja and the Uganda Episcopal Conference:
● Friday, 24 October 2025 – Requiem Mass at Rubaga Cathedral in Kampala, followed by the transfer of the body to Eastern Uganda.
● Saturday, 25 October – Vigil and public Mass at Nyangole Cathedral in Tororo.
● Sunday, 26 October – Mass at Budaka Parish, his home district.
● Monday, 27 October – Final vigil and viewing at Iganga Parish Cathedral.
● Tuesday, 28 October – Funeral Mass and burial at Jinja Cathedral, presided over by Most Rev. Emmanuel Obbo and attended by all Catholic bishops in Uganda.
Bishop Wamika, aged 72, passed away on Wednesday after a period of illness, according to the official statement from the Diocese of Jinja.
Born in Budaka District, Bishop Wamika became the first Ugandan to lead the Diocese of Jinja, succeeding Dutch missionary Bishop Joseph Willigers.
He began his education at St. Peter’s Claver Primary School and entered St. Pius X Minor Seminary in Nagongera in 1964.
He pursued philosophical studies at Alokolum National Seminary in Gulu and completed his theology at St. Mary’s National Major Seminary, Ggaba.
He was ordained to the priesthood with a deep commitment to evangelisation and was later appointed Bishop of Jinja, a position he held with distinction until his death.
Bishop Wamika is remembered for expanding Catholic education and promoting moral formation in schools, strengthening Catholic healthcare services, and rural outreach programmes, championing youth apostolate and lay leadership, promoting interfaith cooperation and peacebuilding in the Busoga region, advancing pastoral ministry and increasing the number of active parishes.
He became widely respected among the Catholic faithful for his humility, spiritual discipline, and advocacy for social justice and community transformation.
The Uganda Episcopal Conference described him as “a shepherd of vision and compassion,” while local clergy called him “a guardian of the Catholic faith and a father to the vulnerable.”
Established in 1966, the Diocese of Jinja is a major Catholic centre in Eastern Uganda covering ten districts, including Jinja, Kamuli, Iganga, Bugiri, Kaliro, Buyende, Namutumba, Luuka, Mayuge, and Namayingo.
The diocese traces its Christian heritage to missionary efforts by the White Fathers and Mill Hill Missionaries in the late 19th century.
Under Bishop Wamika’s leadership, the diocese experienced pastoral growth and remained a beacon of Catholic evangelisation.
May Bishop Charles Martin Wamika rest in eternal peace.
