Rt. Rev. Joseph Antony Zziwa shares his Missionary Journey
Give us a brief biography of yourself
I was born on 16th February 1956 in Mubende. My parents, now deceased (R.I.P) were Joseph Mbabaali Bagalakyabwe and Josephine Nabawooza Bagalakyabwe. My father was a carpenter and builder whose work is evident in many parishes in Mubende Deanery and beyond. My mother was a farmer. They were staunch Catholics. We are a family of ten children; four boys and six girls of whom I am the first born. Out of the ten, we are three religious in the family: Rev. Fr. Stephen Muyanja the Deputy Head Teacher of Jinja College and Rev. Sr. Elizabeth Nambwayo of the Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix (Ggogonya sisters) and me.
For my primary, I went to St. Joseph’s Primary school in Mubende and Nswanjere Junior seminary. In 1970, I joined Kisubi seminary for my secondary, after which I was admitted to the major seminary. I studied philosophy in Katigondo National Seminary and theology in Ggaba National seminary. I later joined Universite’ Catholique de Louvain in Belgium where I studied Church History and Theology and I obtained Bachelors, Licentiate and Doctorate degrees.
What inspired you to priesthood and religious life?
My journey to priesthood began when I was in primary. Our home is near the parish headquarters. I began serving at Holy Mass in Primary three. This kept me close to the priests. I was impressed by their prayer life, pastoral work, celebration of Mass and the Mass vestments. Since all the clergy at the parish were Europeans, I thought that priesthood was reserved for Europeans only. That concept changed in 1962 when Monsignor Alex Mukasa was appointed to our parish and I dared to ask him whether he was really a priest. In his reply, he also asked me whether I wanted to become one. I said yes, and in his words of advice, he told me to ‘be serious with my studies and behave well’.
In 1967, there was a call for candidates to join Nswanjere Junior Seminary where I undertook an interview. Out of the ten pupils, three of us passed the interviews. Thereafter, I was ordained a Deacon at Lubaga in 1979, a priest at Mubende in 1980, and I was consecrated Bishop at Mityana in 2012. From 1980-1983, I served at St. Mbaaga’s Major seminary as a staff. I embarked on higher studies at the Universite’ Catholique de Louvain from 1983 until 1990. When I returned home, I served at Busuubizi parish for one year.
Later, I was appointed to teach at Ggaba National seminary from 1991 until 2001. I was consecrated bishop on the 16th March 2002 and thus became Coadjutor Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese for two years. I have been the Bishop ordinary of the same diocese since 2004. As Bishop, I have served on Uganda Episcopal Conference as the Chairman of Social Communication’s Commission and as the Education Commission Chairman. I have also served as a member of the Executive Board of Uganda Episcopal Conference and also as Vice Chairman . On 11th November, 2018, I was elected by the Bishops to be the Chairman of Uganda Episcopal Conference.
What has been your best moment as a priest?
My ordination to priesthood in 1980 transformed my life completely. I had been longing for the day and when it was fulfilled, I was overwhelmed with joy. I was ordained at Mubende, my parish and on the following day, I presided over the Holy Mass surrounded by many priests at our very home. Another memorable event was in 1980 when I first shook hands with Pope John Paul II. Also, when I was appointed Bishop by Pope John Paul II, I trembled and I was overwhelmed with a different kind of joy, like when Mary was informed by the Angel Gabriel that God had chosen her to be the Mother of Jesus (Lk. 1:26-38). In fact, that event inspired me so much that I chose Mary’s words of acceptance to that call to be my Episcopal motto: “Fiat voluntas tua” (Lk. 1:38). Importantly, whenever I have scored success in my work, served as a shepherd and been able to impart values on people’s lives has been a glorious moment for me.
What has been your best moment as a bishop?
Thrice, I have been chosen to represent the Uganda Episcopal Conference at the Synods of Bishops in Rome where I was blessed to share with the other Bishops from all over the world. Those moments have given me joy to live and experience the catholicity of the Church. Importantly, as a Bishop, when I administer the sacraments especially those reserved for Bishops like the sacrament of confirmation and sacred orders (priestly ordination), I feel great joy.
The pastoral visits that I make in the parishes and other institutions in the Diocese have also been inspiring and rewarding for me as they have enabled me to get very close to the people. In fact, our diocesan pastoral method of the small Christian communities has been very instrumental in my apostolate and that has made my pastoral duties fruitful. I appreciate the faith, love, commitment and work of the Christians for the Church in my Diocese. I really feel good when I hear Catholics proclaim the greeting: “Abasseekimu, mu Kristu Yezu” Literally saying, “we are united in Jesus Christ”.
What are some of the hurdles you have met?
When I had just become a bishop, some people were forcefully evicted from their homes in Madudu Parish. Although we did the Good Samaritan by providing them with essential commodities, their re-settlement was very difficult and disturbing for me. We were almost helpless! Also, despite the good faith people have, there are some Christians who live a double life: today they are in the church and on another day they are in the traditional shrines (masabo) practising witchcraft. They break the first commandment of God: “You shall not have other gods besides me…” (Exodus 20:3-5).
How did you feel when you were voted as the new chair of Uganda Episcopal Conference?
It was on 11th November 2018, when I took office. I was overwhelmed to see that my brother bishops trusted me so much with their votes. I felt so humbled. Leadership for me means rendering service to others. My duty as the Chairman is to work for the implementation of the strategic plans of the conference. I will work for the unity and growth of the Church and the faith of Christians in Uganda. In 1994, the Synod of Bishops in Rome called the Church the family of God.
Following that understanding, we as the Church should live and work as God’s family here on earth despite our human differences or cultural diversity. This should help us to build unity and promote peace. I want also to single out the question of Identity. Thus, no Catholic should feel shy or ashamed of associating himself or herself with the Catholic Church. Also, I would like to emphasize the importance of re-evangelization and catechesis. It is not just enough to be baptized. Let us have proper knowledge and understanding of our faith, the church doctrine and practice. True conviction and commitment is needed.
What is the position of the Episcopal conference on the proposed National Sexuality Education Framework?
Our position was given in our Statement that we issued on 8th June 2018 after the publication of that document (National Sexuality Education Framework) by the Ministry of Education and Sports. In brief, we pointed out the following: the vital role of the family (parents), especially in the early ages is ignored in the Framework.
Children in the Early Childhood, Pre-Primary and Nursery level (3 to 5 years) and in the Lower Primary School are exposed to content and life skills not appropriate for their age. The information and the life skills foreseen for the higher levels are open to interpretation and practices which may be contrary to moral Christian values. There are no provisions or guaranties that school teachers are prepared and able to teach in a balanced and proper way such delicate and emotionally charged topics.
Consequently, should the National Sexuality Education Framework remain unchanged, with provisions and directives contrary to our Christian values, the common position of the Catholic Church, shared by the Church of Uganda and the Orthodox Church in Uganda, is that we shall not be able in conscience to have it taught in our Christian founded schools.
What is your last word to all?
Uganda is blessed with the gift of faith and that of the Uganda Martyrs. Let us be true witnesses to Christ in our society today. Let us be united, for unity is strength (force) and let our light shine (Mt. 5:13-16).
