Roman Catholic Diocese of Bunia

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bunia (Latin: Buniaën(sis)) is a diocese located in the city of Bunia in the ecclesiastical province of Kisangani in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was established on 10 November 1959. The diocese is home to Cathedral Notre-Dame des Grâces, in Bunia.^[1]

The area first was established as the Apostolic Prefecture of Lake Albert from the Apostolic Vicariate of Stanley Falls and the Apostolic Vicariate of Uganda in Uganda on 27 June 1922. It was later promoted to an Apostolic Vicariate on 11 December 1933. On 10 November 1959, it was promoted once more to the Diocese of Bunia. The Diocese lost territory to establish the Diocese of Mahagi on 2 July 1962.^[1][2]

In 2024, two churches in the Ituri Province of the diocese were desecrated by a rebel group in search of money.^[3]

The current Bishop of Bunia (Latin Rite), is Bishop Dieudonné Uringi Uuci, having served since 1 April 2005. Prior to his appointment there had been a 3 year gap, with Bishop Léonard Dhejju, who was appointed 2 July 1984, having left the post on 6 April 2002. Bishop Gabriel Ukec was in the position for almost twenty years, serving between 29 September 1964 and 2 July 1984. Bishop Alphonse Joseph Matthijsen, M. Afr. saw the area through its multiple promotions. Appointed on 21 June 1922 as Father Matthijsen, he served as Prefect Apostolic until 11 December 1933, then as Vicar Apostolic until he was promoted to Bishop on 10 November 1959. He stepped down 19 August 1963.^[1][2]

• Roman Catholicism in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

• GCatholic.org
• Catholic Hierarchy

1°33′37″N 30°14′42″E / 1.5603°N 30.2450°E / 1.5603; 30.2450