Profile!! Who Is The Deceased Jinja Catholic Diocese Bishop Wamika – What You Should Know

The Catholic Diocese of Jinja has today 22nd October 2025 been sent into mourning after the death of it’s Bishop Rt Reverend Charles Martins Wamika. The Bishop has for long been in and out of hospital and was even admitted to India for medication last month.

In a statement issued by the Diocese this evening, the Diocesan Chancellor Fr Gerald Muto confirmed the demise of the Bishop and asked the Faithful to keep the late Bishop in prayer for his soul.

Rt Reverend Charles Wamika who has been 72 years became the Bishop of Jinja Diocese on 2nd March 2010. He was the first black Bishop of the same diocese since the coming of the Mil Hill Fathers in late 1800s.

He took the reigns from Bishop Joseph Bernard Louis Willigers who had retired after presiding over the diocese for four decades. Willigers died two years later on 30th September 2012 at the age of 82 years.

Born on August 12, 1953, in Namengo near Budaka Parish in the present Tororo Archdiocese, Bishop Wamika was ordained a priest on September 22, 1979.

He pursued his philosophical studies at St. Peter’s Claver College and Saint Pius X Minor Seminary in Nagongera, followed by theological studies at the Uganda Martyrs National Major Seminary in Alokolum and Ggaba National Major Seminary in Kampala.

On October 18, 1993, Bishop Wamika was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tororo and consecrated on February 19, 1994.

He served in this capacity until March 2, 2010, when he was appointed as the Bishop of Jinja Diocese by Pope Benedict XVI, succeeding Bishop Joseph Bernard Louis Willigers, who had retired after 43 years of service.

Known for his humility, commitment to peace, and advocacy for the underprivileged, Bishop Wamika played a pivotal role in strengthening the Catholic Church’s presence in Eastern Uganda.

In a 2023 address during the Martyrs’ Day celebrations, he urged Catholics to emulate the commitment and dedication of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives due to their unwavering faith

He was instrumental in expanding diocesan programs in health, education, and community outreach, leaving a lasting legacy among clergy and laity alike.

The Diocese of Jinja has not yet announced the funeral program but invited all clergy, religious members, and the faithful to keep Bishop Wamika in their prayers.

The diocese described his passing as a profound loss to the church and the wider community, while expressing hope in the Christian belief of resurrection.