How “Musa Bbanja” Became “Bishop Moses Banja”

By Irene Best Nyapendi
Yesterday, December 10, 2023, the oldest Diocese of the province of the Church of Uganda (COU), Namirembe, witnessed a change of guards in its ranks.
The ceremony marked the formal installation of Bishop Moses Banja, who succeeds Rt. Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira, the outgoing Bishop of Namirembe Diocese.
Banja, who was at birth named “Musa Omubazi Webbanja Omugenyi Asoka Sewatte,” Yet the question of why he, the eighth child, was named “Asoka,” meaning “firstborn,” lingered unanswered throughout his childhood.
In primary six, he found the name cumbersome and decided to drop parts of it. He translated “Musa” to “Moses” and dropped the second “b” from “Bbanja,” creating the name we know today- Moses Banja.
It wasn’t until recently, reflecting on his unique path, that the significance of his name dawned on him.
Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) Chancellor, His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, defined Banja as a development- oriented person, a preacher of the word, a teacher, and a prayer warrior.

Kaziimba urged the congregation to support Banja and his ministry as he shepherds God’s people in Namirembe Diocese.
“I have no doubt that he will serve with dedication and devotion to the glory of God. Let’s support Bishop Banja and make his work a joy and not a burden,” Kaziimba said.
He confidently said that, with no doubt, he knows that Banja’s wife, Rev. Canon. Assoc. Prof. Nassaka Banja, will be a mother figure in Namirembe diocese.
He reflected on her time at UCU and described her as a great disciplinarian and role model.
Banja will be the sixth bishop of Namirembe Diocese and the tenth if counted chronologically from the diocese’s creation in 1899.
During the service, Banja took an oath of true and canonical obedience to the archbishop and declared his commitment to uphold the constitution of the Church of Uganda.
“I, Moses Banja, swear that I will pay true and canonical obedience to the archbishop of the church of the province of Uganda, in all things lawful and honest. So, help me, God,” Banja vowed.
During his address, Banja outlined his vision for the diocese. He emphasised the importance of preaching the gospel, building existing ministries, undertaking development projects, preserving church land, promoting clergy welfare, and improving the quality of education in the diocese.
“The first task that is closest to my heart is to preach the gospel of Christ and bring people to his body, including those from different faiths,” Banja said.

He aims to lead the diocese towards spiritual growth, social impact, and sustainable development ensuring the well-being of both clergy and laity.
Banja acknowledged two of the biggest challenges facing the country and the church: poverty and land ownership.
“When you have poverty around you, you may not fulfil the purpose you are trying to achieve,” Banja said. “Land is another challenge in this country. A lot of our land as a church has been taken unfairly.”
He expressed his gratitude to Luwalira for his service to the diocese and said he would strive to build on his accomplishments.
“While I intend to initiate new projects that God will reveal, I shallnot let those initiated by Bishop Luwalira die in our hands. I’ll strive to continue and advance them,” Banja said.
Banja was ordained as a deacon in 1996 and priested in 1998. In 2021, he became Archdeacon of the Luzira Archdeaconry. It was during his time as archdeacon that the Lord called him to the higher office of bishop in the Namirembe Diocese.
God has blessed the 59-year-old Banja and his wife with three children: two girls and one boy.
The ceremony was graced by H.E. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, the Queen and Katikiro of Buganda, and other dignitaries.

Katikiro Mayiga Congratulates Bishop Moses Banja

Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga, representing the Buganda Kingdom, acknowledged the longstanding and strong ties between the Church of Uganda and the Buganda Kingdom.
“I congratulate and affirm to you Bishop Banja that we shall continue to strengthen ties between Buganda Kingdom and the church as we strive for the social and economic well-being of the people of Buganda,” Mayiga said.

The Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe, the Very Rev. Canon Jonathan Kisawuzi Ssalongo, also offered his congratulations to Bishop Banja and his wife.
Kisawuzi warmly welcomed Bishop-elect Banja to the cathedral’s deanery and chapter.
“I congratulate Bishop Banja and his dear wife on this higher calling and responsibility entrusted to them,” Kisawuzi said.
As the event came to an end, Banja was gifted a brand new car from the office of the President of Uganda.