Bishop of Mahagi-Nioka
Bishop Sosthène Ayikuli Udjuwa, Bishop of Mahagi-Nioka, Democratic Republic of the Congo, was born on 7 July 1963 in Faradje, in the diocese of Isiro-Niangara. After primary studies, he completed secondary studies at Tadu and at Rungu Minor Seminary from 1978 to 1984. He subsequently studied philosophy at Kisangani from 1985 to 1988 and theology at Bunia from 1988 to 1993. He was ordained a priest on 15 July 1993. After priestly ordination he held the following offices: professor at Jean XXIII Minor Seminary in Vida, Mahagi-Nioka, from 1993 to 1997; studies in Canon Law at the Catholic Faculties of Kinshasa from 1997 to 1999; professor at the Saint Cyprien theologate in Bunia from 1999 to 2001; parochial vicar at Ariwara from 2001 to 2002; studies in Rome for the doctorate in utroque iure at the Pontifical Lateran University from 2002 to 2009; and parochial vicar in the suburbicarian diocese of Palestrina. From 2009 he was diocesan administrator of Mahagi-Nioka.