Bishop Wanok Elected To Lead Uganda’s Catholic Bishops

What the report says

Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Bishop of Lira Diocese, has been elected chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, the national association of Catholic bishops in Uganda. According to Lira Catholic Diocese, the decision was made during the bishops’ annual plenary assembly in Kampala. Bishop Wanok takes over from Rt. Rev. Joseph Anthony Zziwa of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese.

Archbishop of Mbarara, Most Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha, was elected vice-chairman. Before this change, Bishop Wanok had served as vice-chairman of the conference. The Diocese said the election was welcomed with excitement by clergy and lay faithful in Lira, who see it as an important step for their bishop and for the diocese’s standing in the national church leadership.

As chairman, Bishop Wanok will help lead the conference’s work of coordinating the Catholic Church’s pastoral mission and engaging with issues affecting the Church and wider society. The report also notes that the appointment comes ahead of his 40th anniversary of priesthood, due on November 27, 2026, which will coincide with a Lira Diocese men’s run planned to raise awareness about prostate cancer. While that event is not part of the election itself, it provides additional context about the diocese’s upcoming calendar and public outreach efforts.