Diocese of Masaka

Early evangelization (1891-1939) Catholic evangelization in the Masaka region began in 1891 when the White Fathers (Missionaries of Africa) first arrived in the area. Apostolic Vicariate period (1939-1953) The Apostolic Vicariate of Masaka was established on May 25, 1939, carved out from the Apostolic Vicariate of Uganda. This second phase of development, spanning from 1939 to 1961, marked the establishment of Masaka as a distinct ecclesiastical territory under its first African Bishop, Joseph Kiwanuka. Diocesan status On March 25, 1953, the Apostolic Vicariate was elevated to full diocesan status with the Apostolic Constitution "Quaem ad mudum ad Nos" issued by Pope Pius XII. Bishop Joseph Kiwanuka was transferred from the titular see of Thibica to become the first Bishop of Masaka Diocese. The establishment of the Catholic hierarchy in Uganda occurred on March 25, 1953, when the various vicariates became dioceses, with Rubaga becoming an Archdiocese and Masaka among its five suffragan dioceses. ==Organization and territory==

The diocese covers an area of 21,199 square kilometers (8,188 square miles) and comprises 57 parishes and 9 spiritual centers spanning 10 districts in the Greater Masaka Region. The bishop's residence is located at Kitovu, with the postal address: Bishop's House, Kitovu, P.O. Box 70, Masaka, Uganda. ==Bishops==

• Vicar Apostolic of Masaka (Roman rite) • Bishop Joseph Kiwánuka, M. Afr. R.I.P. (1939.05.25 – 1953.03.25 see below) • Bishop Serverus Jjumba (Episcopal ordination on 6 July 2019) Former appointments: Bukalasa Seminary, Diocesan Treasury, Vicar General and finally elected Bishop of Masaka Diocese and pronounced publicly by the Holy See on 16 April 2019 at 2pm (EAT). ==See also==