By Francis Ngahu

Nairobi, Kenya, July 28, 2026 (CISA) – The newly elected chairperson of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa, Archbishop Gervas John Nyaisonga of Mbeya, Tanzania, has accepted the role with humility and called for teamwork, prayer and sustained pastoral attention to young people across the region.

Speaking at the close of the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly in Nairobi, Archbishop Nyaisonga said he accepted the responsibility “with profound humility and deep gratitude.” He added: “I receive this responsibility conscious of its significance and with reliance on God’s grace, knowing that I cannot fulfil it without your support, collaboration, and prayers.”

He thanked his predecessor, Bishop Charles Kasonde, for what he described as eight years of steady and visionary leadership. “On behalf of all of us, I offer you our heartfelt gratitude for your dedicated service. Thank you for your generosity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the Church in our region,” he said.

The archbishop also thanked the AMECEA Secretariat, leaders of the institution, presidents of the episcopal conferences, bishops and other collaborators who helped the outgoing team carry out its work. He said the new leadership would seek to build on the foundation already laid as the regional body continues its synodal journey.

The assembly also set a clear pastoral direction for the coming four years by naming young people as a shared priority for AMECEA. The bishops said the Church in Eastern Africa will need to accompany young people more deliberately as it responds to their hopes, struggles and place in the life of the Church.

AMECEA brings together Catholic bishops’ conferences from Eastern Africa and works through its secretariat, departments and institutions in areas including pastoral care, integral human development, social communications and education. The Nairobi assembly also confirmed a wide range of appointments for the 2026 to 2030 period.

Among the top officers, Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Kaufa, a member of the Missionaries of St. Paul, will serve as secretary general. Other members of the executive board include Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri, Kenya, Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of Karonga, Malawi, Bishop Stephen Nyodho Majwok of Malakal, South Sudan, Bishop Evans Chinyama Chinyemba of Mongu, Zambia, Bishop Thomas Osman of Barentu, Eritrea, Bishop Joseph Anthony Zziwa of Kiyinda-Mityana, Uganda, Bishop Vincent Cosmas Mwagala of Mafinga, Tanzania, Bishop Seyoum Fransua Noel, Apostolic Vicar of Hosanna, Ethiopia, and Bishop Mark Kadima of Bungoma, Kenya, who also serves as Catholic University of Eastern Africa council chairman and an ex-officio member.

The plenary also named new heads of key AMECEA departments and institutions. Father Florence Rutaihwa Rwehumbiza will lead the pastoral department, while Father Peter Muidie Zingari will head the promotion of integral human development department and Father Winfred Kunda will oversee social communications.

In the educational sector, Father Castro Goliama will serve as rector of AMECEA Blessed Isidore Bakanja College. Reverend Professor Elias Omondi Opongo, a member of the Society of Jesus, was named vice-chancellor designate of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. Father Emmanuel Chimombo was reconfirmed as coordinator of the AMECEA Pastoral Institute at Gaba Campus, while Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe will chair its turnaround committee.

The assembly also confirmed the AMECEA Board of Trustees, chaired by Archbishop Philip Anyolo of Kenya, alongside Archbishop Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie of Ethiopia, Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo of Uganda and Archbishop Menghesteab Tesfamariam of Eritrea.

For the Catholic Church in Eastern Africa, the new appointments point to a period that combines continuity in leadership with a sharpened focus on youth ministry, regional cooperation and formation. Nyaisonga’s first public remarks suggested that he intends to anchor the next phase of AMECEA’s work in shared responsibility and prayer.

With the new leadership team in place, AMECEA now turns from plenary decisions to implementation, especially on youth pastoral care, institutional renewal and the regional Church’s synodal mission.