Catholic Dioceses across Uganda are facing a crisis as a shortage of communion wine looms due to unforeseen delays in shipment routes.
The disruption, attributed to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, has forced ships carrying essential supplies, including altar wine, to take longer and safer routes through the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, significantly delaying their arrival at Mombasa Port in Kenya.
According to reports, in a letter dated April 30 addressed to financial administrators of Uganda’s Episcopal Sees, Fr. Asiku Alfred Tulu, Director of JW InterServices Ltd, a company associated with the Uganda Episcopal Conference, highlighted the challenges faced in procuring wine for Masses.
Fr. Tulu explained that the expected arrival of Mass Wine has been pushed to mid-May, with customs clearance anticipated by the end of the month.
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, Fr. Tulu urged Catholic priests across Ugandan parishes and institutions to regulate the use of wine as much as possible until regular supplies are restored. While limited stocks of White Mass Wine, approved by the Uganda Episcopal Conference, are available, Fr. Tulu cautioned that these supplies are also limited.
