John Baptist Kaggwa facts for kids

Styles of John Baptist Kaggwa
Reference style	The Most Reverend
Religious style	Bishop

Bishop Kaggwa in 2018.

John Baptist Kaggwa (born 23 March 1943 – died 20 January 2021) was an important Catholic leader from Uganda. He was a Bishop of the Diocese of Masaka. He led the diocese from 1998 until he retired in 2019. Before that, he was a special helper bishop, called a Coadjutor Bishop, from 1994 to 1998.

Early Life and Education

John Baptist Kaggwa was born on 23 March 1943. His birthplace was Bulenga, in the Wakiso District of Uganda. He started primary school at Lubaga Boys Primary School in 1952. He finished his primary education there in 1957.

After primary school, he joined Kisubi Minor Seminary in 1958. At Kisubi, he studied Latin. Later, he continued his studies at Katigondo Major Seminary, where he focused on Philosophy.

In 1965, Archbishop Joseph Kiwanuka sent him to Rome, Italy. He received a scholarship to study at the Pontifical Urban University. In May 1970, he became a deacon in Rome. He earned a special degree called a Doctor of Philosophy. This degree was in Canon Law (church law) and Secular Law (regular law).

Becoming a Priest and Bishop

John Baptist Kaggwa became a priest on 12 December 1971 in Rome. He was 28 years old at that time. After finishing his advanced studies, he worked as the vice-rector. This was at the Pontifical College of St Paul in Rome for five years.

In the 1980s, he returned to Uganda. He was chosen to be the first rector of St. Mbaaga Seminary at Ggaba. A rector is like a principal or head of a seminary.

On 19 December 1994, he was appointed as the Coadjutor Bishop of Masaka. This meant he was a helper bishop who would later take over. He became a bishop on 24 June 1995. Bishop Adrian Kivumbi Ddungu, who was the bishop before him, led the ceremony.

Kaggwa became the main Bishop of Masaka, Uganda, on 10 January 1998. As bishop, he helped the diocese with many projects. These included building new schools, homes, shops, and farms. The money from these projects helped support the church's work. A shopping center was even named after him. During his time as bishop, the diocese also started its own radio station, Centenary FM.

On 6 July 2019, Bishop Kaggwa helped consecrate his replacement. He was the main person to bless Bishop Serverus Jjumba. Bishop Jjumba then became the new leader of the Masaka Diocese. After this, Bishop Kaggwa retired from his main role. However, he continued to work in the diocese as Bishop Jjumba asked him to.

Important Calls and Events

In June 2020, Bishop Kaggwa asked the Ugandan government to think about delaying the 2021 Ugandan general election. He was worried about the COVID-19 pandemic. He felt that virtual campaigning might not let people fully understand the candidates. He thought this might give an unfair advantage to those already in power. He suggested delaying the election for up to two years. At the same time, Bishop Kaggwa also spoke up for shop owners. He wanted them to be allowed to reopen their businesses.

On 17 October, a prayer event led by Bishop Kaggwa was interrupted. Police and the Ugandan military arrived at the event. They used tear gas and fired bullets to make people leave. It is believed this happened because Bobi Wine, a well-known politician, was expected to attend. Some of Wine's supporters had been arrested before. The police later apologized to the church and to Bishop Kaggwa for their actions.

Bishop Kaggwa passed away on 20 January 2021. He died from COVID-19. He had first gotten the virus two months earlier during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda.

See also

• Cyprian Kizito Lwanga
• Uganda Martyrs

Images for kids

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  Bishop Kaggwa in 2018.