By GERTRUDE MUTYABA
Hundreds of Christians are congregating at the Sports Arena, Kitovu ahead of the Saturday consecration and installation of the new Masaka Diocesan bishop Msgr Serverus Jjumba.
According to the chairperson organising committee, Rev Fr George William Lubega 25,000 guests are expected to grace the occasion .
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to be the chief guest.
“We expect all invited guests to be in their seats by 9:30am because the procession of the Mass will start at exactly 9:40am,” Fr Lubega says.
Invited guests include; leaders from other religious denominations , bishops, the speaker of Parliament, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, the Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, Ministers, Members of Parliament, officials from Buganda Kingdom among others.
Msgr Jjumba, who was appointed by Pope Francis in April, will replace Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa who has served the diocese for 24 years.
In Nyendo Town, located two kilometres to the venue, Christians are in celebratory mood Banana stems have been planted on all roads connecting to Kitovu Cathedral Bishop Elect ‘s portraits and arches are erected in strategic areas.
Fr Lubega says the Bishop Elect will arrive at the venue at 9am and will be welcomed by a brass band from St. Henry’s College, Kirovu, flags will then be raised and thereafter, he will proceed to the newly-constructed monument of the cross and bless it.
A cross signifies the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the foundation of Christianity.
“There will be entertainment by selected schools, speeches from selected dignitaries and lunch will be served at 2pm,” he said.
Mr Joseph Mugerwa, the in charge of security says security is already very tight within the venue and its environs.
Mr Mugerwa says there is designated parking space for various dignitaries at St Henry’s College, Kitovu playground, Kitovu Parish compound and St Paul’s Primary School.
Meanwhile, the Bishop Kaggwa has warned politicians against using the function to fight “their battles”.
“We have invited various politicians and we urge them to leave their politics outside the venue because this is purely a religious event,” the bishop says.
SOURCE: Monitor.co.ug