Summary:
President Museveni congratulated Bishop Rupiny on this spiritual milestone and acknowledged the contributions of the faithful who had long awaited his consecration.
NEBBI: Rt. Rev. Dr. Constantine Rupiny was officially consecrated and enthroned as the 5th Bishop of the Nebbi Catholic Diocese on Saturday in a grand ceremony held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral, Nebbi District.
The consecration was presided over by the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, the Most Rev. Raphael P’Mony Wokorach, in a vibrant celebration attended by clergy, government officials, and faithful from various regions.
Vice President and Woman MP for Katakwi District, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, represented President Yoweri Museveni at the event. In his message, President Museveni congratulated Bishop Rupiny on this spiritual milestone and acknowledged the contributions of the faithful who had long awaited his consecration.
“The consecration and enthronement of Bishop Rupiny signify the continuation of the good work started by his predecessors. His unwavering devotion to the Church’s mission and his commitment to spreading the Gospel are commendable,” Museveni stated.
He emphasized that the call to serve God requires total dedication and trust in divine guidance. “The responsibility of shepherding the faithful is an opportunity to embrace God’s blessings. I pray that you reap abundantly from His grace,” he added.
Museveni also extended gratitude to Pope Francis for appointing Bishop Rupiny and urged him to embrace selfless service. “God has chosen you at the right time. Lead with wisdom and humility,” he urged.
The president assured Bishop Rupiny of divine support in his pastoral mission. “Leadership comes with challenges, but through faith, you will find strength and guidance,” he advised.
Additionally, he encouraged the bishop to preach the gospel of love, unity, and hard work to promote development. “Let us work together to uplift our people from poverty through government livelihood programs,” he said.
Museveni highlighted the Church’s role in shaping society’s morals and partnering with the government in development efforts. “Religious institutions have played a crucial role in education, healthcare, and improving people’s lives,” he noted.
Quoting Acts 3:2-8, he emphasized that the true gospel includes liberation from poverty and called on families to embrace commercial farming and wealth-creation initiatives like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga program.
The president urged the Church to collaborate with government agencies and Members of Parliament to make development initiatives a reality. “Faith must be accompanied by practical efforts to improve livelihoods,” he said.
Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security for national progress. He also called upon the faithful to support their new bishop wholeheartedly.
On behalf of President Museveni, VP Alupo handed over a brand-new Toyota 2024 model to Bishop Rupiny for official use.
The president commended Bishop Raphael Wokorach P’Mony for his dedicated service and leadership, praying for divine blessings upon his future endeavors. He also acknowledged Archbishop Wokorach’s contributions to the spiritual and physical growth of the Church.
In his homily, Archbishop Wokorach cautioned against divisive and manipulative politics, urging leaders to focus on development. He encouraged Bishop Rupiny to remain steadfast and lead efforts to uplift people from poverty.
Born on November 10, 1974, in Parombo, Nebbi Diocese, Bishop Rupiny pursued his priestly formation at Uganda Martyrs’ National Major Seminary, Alokolum (1996-1999), and St. Mary’s National Major Seminary, Ggaba (2000-2004). Ordained on August 28, 2004, he initially served as parish vicar of Kango (2004-2005) and later became the first African parish priest of St. Daniel Comboni Parish, Akanyo (2005-2007).
He furthered his education, earning a Licentiate in Philosophy from the Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome (2009-2011), and a Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw (2018-2022). His research explored the Alur customary marriage in relation to Catholic sacramental theology.
Bishop Rupiny has held various roles, including formator and professor at Uganda Martyrs’ National Major Seminary, Alokolum; vice president of the Priests’ Council of Nebbi (2017-2018); vice-rector (January-September 2023); and most recently, rector of the seminary since September 2023.
Nebbi Diocese became vacant on March 22, 2024, following Archbishop Raphael Wokorach’s appointment as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Gulu. In July, he was named Apostolic Administrator of Nebbi Diocese, a role he continues to hold.
Past bishops of Nebbi Diocese include Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok (2011-2018), Rt. Rev. Martin Luluga (1988-2011), and the diocese’s first bishop, Rt. Rev. John Baptist Odama, now Archbishop of Gulu.
Established 28 years ago, Nebbi Diocese evolved from the Gulu Apostolic Vicariate (dating back to 1923) and owes its growth to the dedicated efforts of Comboni missionaries, catechists, and local leaders in nurturing the Faith among the Alur people.
