Today in History: Cyprian Kizito Lwanga Installed as Kampala Archbishop

What the report says

Pope Benedict XVI appointed Cyprian Kizito Lwanga Archbishop of Kampala in August 2006, and his installation at Rubaga Cathedral on September 30 that year formally began his leadership of Uganda’s chief Catholic archdiocese. The event marked his move from serving as bishop of Kasana-Luweero to becoming the third Archbishop of Kampala, succeeding Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala.

Nile Post reports that Lwanga, who was born in 1953 in Kyabakadde in present-day Mukono District, followed a long clerical path before reaching the metropolitan see. He studied at seminary in Uganda, was ordained a priest in 1978, and later pursued further training in France and Rome, where he earned a doctorate in Canon Law. In 1996, he became the founding bishop of the newly created Diocese of Kasana-Luweero.

During his 15-year tenure, Lwanga focused on strengthening archdiocesan administration and finances while supporting parishes, schools and health facilities. The article says he also spoke out on issues such as human rights, good governance, peace and social justice, and took part in ecumenical and interfaith efforts. He died on April 3, 2021, and was later succeeded by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere.

His installation remains a notable moment in the history of the Kampala archdiocese because it marked the start of a period in which he became a prominent church leader and public voice in Uganda.