Retired Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi (pictured) has been named as the Caretaker Bishop of Nebbi Diocese by the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. Archbishop Kaziimba made the announcement during today’s funeral and burial of the Rt. Rev. Alphonse Watho-kudi, the 2nd Bishop of Nebbi Diocese. Bishop Alphonse died on 10th January 2021 in Arua Regional Referral Hospital after a short illness.
According to the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Uganda, when a diocese falls vacant, the Archbishop automatically becomes the Bishop of the Diocese and takes on all ecclesiastical authority. The Archbishop may, however, appoint a retired Bishop to serve on his behalf as a Caretaker Bishop.
Prior to serving as the 7th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Rt. Rev. Henry Luke Orombi was the 1st Bishop of Nebbi Diocese and brings a wealth of experience, local knowledge, and spiritual maturity to the role.
Archbishop Kaziimba also announced that the Rt. Rev. Joseph Abura, Bishop of Karamoja Diocese, will also step in to become the Dean of the Province. The Constitution and Canons of the Church of Uganda specify that the longest serving active Bishop shall assume the position of the Dean of the Province. Bishop Abura was consecrated on 27th May 2007 and is currently the longest serving active Bishop in the Church of Uganda. Bishop Abura will continue to serve as the Bishop of Karamoja Diocese and his anticipated retirement date is August 2024.
Archbishop Kaziimba called for people to pray for the family of Bishop Watho-kudi, to pray for retired Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi as he takes on the leadership of a grieving Diocese, and Bishop Joseph Abura as he assumes the responsibilities of Dean of the Province.
