Bishop Jjumba reshuffles priests in a major move aimed at strengthening pastoral care and leadership in Masaka Diocese. The changes, announced on August 7, 2025, by diocesan chancellor Fr Charles Jude Jjuko, bring new appointments, transfers, and promotions for priests serving more than one million Catholics.
One of the notable changes sees Rev. Fr Joseph Mayanja, former diocesan social communication officer, head to Germany for studies. In his place, Fr Ronald Ssebyanzi, who previously worked as diocesan social communications coordinator, steps into the role. Former Katigondo National Major Seminary rector, Fr John Mukalazi, now directs St Agnes Vocational School. Meanwhile, Fr Cornelius Kayemba moves from Kijjukizo Parish to Sanjje Parish as assistant parish priest.
In other assignments, Fr George William Kasumba transfers from Makukulu Parish to Bukasa Seminary. At Bisanje, Fr John Bosco Ssendawula, recently back from studies in Rome, becomes parish priest. Bukasa Parish welcomes Fr Herman Ssempembe, promoted from assistant to parish priest, while Kirowooza Catholic Parish sees Fr Morris Kayanja take on the role of parish priest.
Caritas MADDO, the diocesan development agency, also experiences leadership changes. Fr Raphael Ssemanda heads to Bikiira Parish on special duties, while Fr Gozaga Kiyimba advances from assistant director to director. In addition, the diocesan vocation office gains Fr Augustine Ssembajjwe as director, with Fr Tonny Bbuule stepping in as assistant director.
Several priests receive significant assignments. For instance, Fr Benjamin Kyanda returns from Kenya as rector at Bukalasa Seminary. Fr Semeo Makayi becomes diocesan assistant education secretary, and Fr Emmanuel Mawanda joins Lwaggulwe as assistant parish priest. In Bethlehem Parish, Fr Benedict Kato Lukakaba takes on the assistant parish priest role. Furthermore, Kyera Centre will now be served by Fr Ronald Kaweesa.
International postings form another part of the reshuffle. Fr Francis Mugerwa, rector at Bukalasa Seminary, goes to Dublin, Ireland. After completing studies in Rome, Fr Kennedy Kinsambwe will serve in Vancouver, Canada. Patrick Onyango from Bukalasa Seminary departs for studies in Rome, as do Fr John Mary Ssengabi, Fr Joseph Bakulu, and Fr Atanansi Mwanje, each pursuing specialized programs.
The list also includes newly ordained priests taking on fresh roles. At Kirowooza Parish, Fr Andrew Mayanja serves as assistant priest. Ssaza Parish welcomes Fr Vianney Mbuubi, while Bumangi Parish gains Fr Martin Naluswa. Mbirizi Parish receives Fr Richard Nyago, and Kalungu Parish welcomes Fr Bonnyventure Ntegeka. Additionally, Kyamuliibwa Parish is joined by Fr Noah Saazi, and Fr John Matovu becomes diocesan archivist.
Parish ministry changes continue throughout the diocese. Fr Brian Ssebaggala moves from Ssaza Parish to Butende Parish. Fr Mary Matovu transfers from Kiziba to Buyoga Parish, while Fr George William Mukalazi moves from Mbirizi to Kiziba Parish. Bwesa Parish gains Fr Godfrey Kato from Lwebitakuli Parish. Moreover, Christ the King SS, Bulinda, will have Fr Joseph Bukoola as chaplain.
Other changes include Fr James Mawejje moving to Kkindu Parish and Fr Julius Sseguya becoming chaplain at St Joseph’s Hospital Kitovu. Kalungu District gains Fr Aloysius Ssebugulu as assistant education secretary. In Kijjukizo Parish, Fr Paul Ssekyanja takes up the assistant priest position. At the same time, Fr Kizito Mujjuzi becomes Dean of Bumangi Deanery. Kitovu Cathedral receives Fr George William Ssemaganda for special duties.
Additional leadership roles are filled as part of the reshuffle. Fr Bernard Kasagga now directs Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary Movements. In the same round of appointments, Fr Florentino Matovu leads St Jude Movement, while Fr Stephen Kijjambu becomes Director of Uganda Martyrs Guild.
This marks the seventh reshuffle since Bishop Jjumba took office in July 2019. The previous one, in August 2024, involved 17 priests. At a recent ordination at Our Lady of Sorrows Cathedral, Kitovu, Bishop Jjumba urged priests to commit fully to their spiritual mission and avoid the pursuit of wealth. He also encouraged them to speak against ungodly practices such as witchcraft, guiding Christians towards righteousness. The ceremony also celebrated the ordination of 19 seminarians as deacons and 10 deacons as priests, a sign of the diocese’s continued growth in clergy formation.