The Diocese of Jinja has announced with deep sorrow the passing of Rt. Rev. Charles Martin Wamika, the Bishop of Jinja Diocese, died at 72 on Wednesday, October 22.
According to an official statement released by the diocesan social communications office, signed by the diocesan chancellor, Fr. Gerald Muto, Bishop Wamika passed away on Wednesday afternoon at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala.
His death was also confirmed in a Facebook post by the Uganda Episcopal Conference, which joined the faithful in mourning the loss of a devoted shepherd.
Bishop Wamika, who has been at the helm of the Diocese of Jinja since his appointment by Pope Benedict XVI in March 2010, replacing Bishop Joseph Willigers, is remembered for his pastoral zeal, commitment to evangelization, and deep concern for the spiritual and social welfare of his flock. Under his leadership, the diocese witnessed growth in education, health, and media apostolates, making a lasting mark on the Catholic Church in Eastern Uganda.
The Diocese of Jinja has called on all the faithful and people of goodwill to join in prayer for the peaceful repose of Bishop Wamika’s soul. Funeral arrangements will be communicated later by the diocesan authorities.
Bishop Charles Martin Wamika was born on 12 August 1953, in present-day Budaka District in the Eastern Region of Uganda. He studied at St. Peter’s Claver College, then in 1964 he transferred to Saint Pius X Minor Seminary, in Nagongera. He studied philosophy at the Uganda Martyr’s National Major Seminary Alokolum, in Gulu, before he studied theology at the Ggaba National Major Seminary, in Kampala.
He was ordained priest on 22 September 1979 for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tororo. He served as priest in the same archdiocese until 18 October 1993.
He was appointed bishop on 18 October 1993, serving as Auxiliary Bishop of Tororo and as Titular Bishop of Tacapae. He was consecrated as bishop on 19 February 1994 at Tororo by James Odongo, Bishop of Tororo, assisted by Emmanuel Wamala Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala and Bishop Joseph Bernard Louis Willigers, Bishop of Jinja.
On 20 March 1994 he was appointed bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jinja.[2][3][4] He succeeded Bishop Joseph B. Willigers, who retired, after 43 years of service as Bishop of the Diocese of Jinja.[4][5] He continues to serve in that capacity as of 2023
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Source:Amecea