The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, has announced that all future ordinations will now be held exclusively at Our Lady of Snows Virika Cathedral. The decision marks a departure from the earlier practice of rotating ordinations among various parishes.
The Bishop, made this announcement while presiding over an ordination ceremony held on Saturday July 26 at Virika Cathedral in Fort Portal City, during which four deacons were ordained to the priesthood and eight seminarians to the diaconate.
The newly ordained priests are Fr. Hillary Niyonshaba from Kamwenge, Fr. Patrick Tusiime from Kitumbi Parish, Fr. Patrick Tumwesigye from Nyakasura Parish, and Fr. Robert Bwambale, a Capuchin priest from Kasese Catholic Diocese.
Those ordained deacons include Dn. Onesmus Ajuna from Kanyamukale Parish, Dn. Wilfred Mugisa from Wekomiire Parish, Dn. Tom Tumwebaze from Butunduzi, Dn. Ronald Tukahiirwa from Kitagwenda, Dn. Binta Alexandria Mzee from Yerya, Dn. Derrick Tushabe from Kahunge, Dn. Dava Divine Mpala, a Capuchin from Zimbabwe, and Dn. Kizito Thembo Nganya, also a Capuchin from Kasese.
Bishop Muhiirwa, explained that the initial decision to rotate ordinations among parishes was aimed at promoting vocations, but the outcome has been less effective than hoped. Going forward, he thus said, all ordinations will take place at Virika Cathedral.
This said, Bishop Muhiirwa encouraged vocation committees at all levels to develop new and more effective approaches to promoting vocations within the Diocese adding that the harvest is rich but labourers still few.
In his homily, the Bishop urged the newly ordained to serve with joy and humility wherever they are assigned, without complaints, and to trust in God who has called them.
Mr. Charles Kulibanza, Diocesan Chairperson Council of Laity, commended the perseverance of the newly ordained, their families, and the diocesan leadership for nurturing them into dedicated priests and deacons. He assured them of the Church’s support at both parish and community levels.
Representing parents, Mr. Selveri Andrew from Nyakasura Parish, father to Fr. Patrick Tumwesigye, expressed deep gratitude to the Bishop, the Vocations’ Director, and all benefactors who contributed to the formation and support of their sons.
Speaking on behalf of the newly ordained, Rev. Patrick Tusiime extended thanks to all benefactors, formators, the Bishop, and foster families for their selfless dedication throughout the formation journey.
Notably, today’s ordination was the first to be held at Virika Cathedral since its renovation, renewed chapter in the Diocese’s liturgical celebrations the last one having taken place in 2022, before it’s renovation