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Bishop-elect for Uganda’s Nebbi Diocese Pledges to Foster Synodality, “building a shared vision for evangelization”

Jude Atemanke

By Jude Atemanke

Nebbi, 12 December, 2024 / 10:49 pm (ACI Africa).

Mons. Constantine Rupiny, the Bishop-elect for Uganda’s Catholic Diocese of Nebbi following his November 26 appointment, has expressed his readiness to foster the spirit of Synodality in his Episcopal ministry.

In an interview with Ugandan Catholics Online that was reported on Thursday, December 12, the member of the Clergy, who has been serving as the Rector of Uganda Martyrs’ Alokolum National Major Seminary in the East African nation’s Gulu Catholic Archdiocese said he would work on “specific plans” in collaboration with the people of God in Nebbi Diocese, when he assumes office as Local Ordinary.  

When Consecrated Bishop, “I want that we move as a synodal church. Not that the Bishop says, ‘this you must just follow.’ No, no, no. We have that spirit of collaboration, the spirit of discussion, the spirit of agreement, without losing the focus on Jesus Christ and his will,” Mons. Rupiny said in the interview dated December 6.

For now, he sought to clarify, “I don’t want to begin talking about specific plans for Nebbi Catholic Diocese. I want to go there.”

The Bishop-elect whose Consecration has been scheduled for 22 February 2025 emphasized the need to prioritize understanding the needs of the Ugandan Episcopal See, pledging to “work in collaboration” with the people of God under his pastoral care, including the Clergy, women and men Religious, and Laity. 

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To examine the actual needs of Nebbi Diocese, Mons Rupiny said he would employ SWOT analysis, which refers to the examination of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. 

This approach, Mons. Rupiny went on to say, will guide the Diocese in “building a shared vision for evangelization and growth.”

A key aspect of leadership is fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility, the Ugandan Bishop-elect said, adding that in his Episcopal Ministry, the teaching of the Gospel will guide decisions.

“Consensus must be guided by the spirit of the Gospel, what God wants from us,” he said, adding, “Leadership is not about doing everything yourself; it’s about teamwork.”

The Diocese of Nebbi became vacant on March 22 following the transfer of Archbishop Raphael p'Mony Wokorach to Gulu Archdiocese. In July, Archbishop Wokorach was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Ugandan Diocese.

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Born on 10 November 1974 in Parombo in the Diocese of Nebbi, the Bishop-elect was ordained a Priest for the same Diocese in August 2004 after completing his philosophical studies at Uganda Martyrs’ Alokolum National Major Seminary and his theological studies at St. Mary's National Major Seminary in Ggaba, in the Archdiocese of Kampala.

In the interview dated December 6, Mons. Rupiny said that his Episcopal appointment has evoked in him a mixture of “joy” and “fear”. 

“The joy of belonging to Christ and of serving His people is there, although the fear of unworthiness also comes in,” the Bishop-elect said. 

Reflecting highlighted teaching, sanctifying, and governing as important Episcopal roles, and added, “A Bishop is a teacher who must preach the Word of God in season and out of season, regardless of how challenging it may be.”

A Consecrated Bishop also has the sanctification role executed through the celebration of Sacraments, and ensuring they are properly administered and understood, he said.

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“A Bishop must provide a sense of direction to people, even when decisions are not universally accepted,” the Ugandan Bishop-elect further said.

He attributed his leadership perspectives to his Priestly Ministry, having served as Parish Priest, Seminary Rector, and Formator, saying, “These roles helped me understand the human person, listen to people, and foster dialogue rather than imposing decisions.”

Once Consecrated, Mons. Rupiny will become the 5th Bishop of the Ugandan Diocese that measures 5,098 square Kilometers, with a population of 549,118 Catholics representing 81.8 percent of the total population in the Episcopal See, according to 2021 statistics.

The Diocese that was erected in February 1996 as the Diocese of Arua before changing to its current name is part of the ecclesiastical province of Gulu.

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.