AFRICA/TANZANIA - Resignation of the Bishop of Bukoba and appointment of successor and Apostolic Administrator of Singida

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father Benedict XVI on January 15, 2013, accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Bukoba (Tanzania) by His Exc. Mgr. Nestorius Timanywa in accordance with can. 401 § 1 of the Code of Canon Law. The Holy Father appointed His Exc. Mgr. Desiderius M. Rwoma as Bishop of Bukoba (Tanzania), transferring him from the Diocese of Singida. The same Prelate was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the vacant et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Singida.
His Exc. Mgr. Desiderius M. Rwoma was born on May 8, 1947 in Ilogero, diocese of Bukoba. He studied at the preparatory Seminary in Rutabo (1962-1963) and at the Minor Seminary of Rubya (1964-1967). He later studied philosophy at the major Seminary in Ntugamo, Bukoba (1968-1969) and theology at the major Seminary in Kipalapala (1970-1974). He was ordained a priest on July 28, 1974 for the Diocese of Bukoba. After ordination he held the following positions: Curate of Hashambya (1974-1975); Teacher at the minor Seminary of Rubya (1975-1976); a Student at the Pastoral Center Gaba, Eldoret, Kenya (1977); Teacher at the Minor Seminary of Rubya (1978-1980); Vice Rector at the formation center (1980-1984); Chaplain of the Teresian Sisters of Bukoba (1984-1987); Rector of the minor Seminary in Rubya (1987-1997). From 1997 to 1999 he was Vicar General of Bukoba. Elected Bishop of Singida on April 19, 1999, he received his episcopal consecration on 11 July of the same year. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 16/01/2013)