The Catholic Church in Uganda has a new leader at the helm of its national assembly. Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok of the Lira Catholic Diocese has been elected chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), stepping into a role that carries significant weight for the country's Catholic community.
The decision, made by the bishops themselves, also saw Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha of Mbarara elected as vice-chairman. Bishop Wanok's rise to the top post follows his service as vice-chairman since 2022, a period that has prepared him for the broader responsibilities now entrusted to him.
A smooth transition of leadership
Bishop Wanok succeeds Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa of the Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, who has completed three terms as chairman. Bishop Zziwa's tenure spanned a considerable stretch of the conference's recent history, and his departure marks the end of an era for the assembly.
The Uganda Episcopal Conference serves as the official gathering of the nation's Catholic bishops. It functions as a unifying body, bringing together the Catholic hierarchy to provide direction and coordination for the Church's activities across the country. Through the Uganda Catholic Secretariat, the conference drives the social and pastoral ministry of the Church, ensuring that its mission reaches communities far and wide.
Twelve committees, one mission
The scope of the conference's work is vast, carried out through twelve specialised committees. These bodies oversee matters ranging from liturgical and pastoral affairs to the apostolate of the laity, justice and peace, and the education and training of priests. Other committees focus on ecumenism and interreligious dialogue, reflecting the Church's commitment to engaging with the wider society.
The statutes that govern the conference were approved by the Holy See on September 8, 1974, giving the assembly a formal structure that has endured for five decades. Under Bishop Wanok's leadership, the conference is expected to continue its mission of promoting unity among Catholic bishops and coordinating the Church's response to the spiritual and social needs of Ugandans.
For Bishop Wanok, the election represents a new chapter in a ministry that has already seen him serve the Church in various capacities. His experience as vice-chairman and his pastoral work in Lira will inform his approach as he takes on this national role. The Catholic community in Uganda will be watching closely as the new leadership sets its priorities for the years ahead.
