By Alice Kobusinge
The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa, has officially launched the Catholic Professionals Network of Fort Portal Diocese, calling on members to uphold professionalism rooted in Catholic values across their places of work.
The launch held over the weekend at the Bishop’s House in Fort Portal City, marked a significant step in organizing Catholic professionals to actively contribute to the mission of the Church through their various fields.
Why the network
In his address, Bishop Muhiirwa emphasized that Catholic professionals are called to embody excellence, honesty, and service in their daily duties. He described workplaces offices, clinics, classrooms, and boardrooms as vital mission fields where faith must be lived out through action.
He further urged members to take up leadership roles within the Church and society, noting the need for their presence in parish councils, finance committees, as well as education and health boards. According to the Bishop, leadership guided by integrity, accountability, and love is essential for both Church growth and societal transformation.
Addressing workplace challenges, Bishop Muhiirwa encouraged professionals to exercise patience and wisdom when dealing with colleagues who fall short of professional standards, asking them to be witness of virtue rather than confrontation.
The Guest of Honour, Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo, commended the initiative, describing it as a sign of collective commitment by Catholic professionals to strengthen their faith and support one another. He urged members to move beyond social networking and instead position the association as a force for positive transformation within the diocese and the rest of the community.
According to Justice Mugabo the network bears potential as a platform for mentorship for young professionals, guidance for Catholic students, support for vulnerable communities, and a source of ethical leadership in both public and private sectors. He added that such an initiative can offer hope and role models for many seeking integrity in professional life.
Interim president
Meanwhile, Professor Moses Muhumuza, the Interim President of the Network, outlined the vision of the association as one aimed at inspiring Catholic professionals to actively participate in the Church’s mission while contributing to social development.
He also revealed that the Network has adopted a constitution comprising 21 articles organized into nine parts. He noted that the document is a “living constitution,” open to amendments as new ideas emerge, in accordance with Article 19. These amendments, he said, will help align the constitution more closely with the canonical and doctrinal teachings of the Catholic Church while preserving the lay character of the association.
Professor Muhumuza further cited Article 7 (d), which provides that the Ordinary Bishop, upon recommendation from the Diocesan Director of the Commission of Laity, may appoint an interim executive committee to serve for three years during the establishment phase of the network.
Justice Mugabo welcomed the adoption of the constitution, emphasizing that every successful institution requires a strong foundation. He noted that the document provides a framework for transparency, participation, and orderly leadership succession, and urged members not only to celebrate it but to live by its principles.
In his concluding remarks, Bishop Muhiirwa advised that the constitution be further refined to ensure it reaches grassroots structures such as Small Christian Communities. He also observed that it currently does not adequately recognize other lay apostolate movements such as the Catholic Women Apostolate (CWA), Catholic Men Association, and Cana Movement. Incorporating these, he said, would strengthen the document and enhance its service to the wider Church.