By Alice K
There was joy and celebration at Rubona in Butiiti Parish, Kyenjojo District, as hundreds of Christians joined family members, clergy, religious leaders and government officials to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Msgr. Paulinus Bagambaki Atwooki’s priesthood and his 80th birthday.
The thanksgiving Mass, held in honour of the veteran priest of the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, was attended by priests, religious men and women, government officials, relatives and faithful from across the diocese.
In his homily, the Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, congratulated Msgr. Bagambaki on attaining over five decades of priestly ministry and his 80th birthday. He urged Christians to remain grateful to God in every circumstance, describing thanksgiving as a hallmark of a faithful Christian life.
Bishop Muhiirwa commended Msgr. Bagambaki’s unwavering commitment to the Church, noting that from his formation and ordination through the many pastoral responsibilities entrusted to him, he has served with zeal, humility and devotion.
He said the monsignor’s ministry has enriched the spiritual life of the diocese and beyond, making him a beacon of faith, hope and pastoral charity. Through his preaching, teaching and administration of the sacraments, he has consistently guided many people towards God’s mercy, love and saving grace.
The bishop further commended the elderly priest for remaining active in ministry despite his advanced age. He noted that Msgr. Bagambaki continues to celebrate Holy Mass daily, hear confessions, provide spiritual direction, write inspirational books and accompany many people on their journey of faith with wisdom and joy.
Bishop Muhiirwa encouraged Christians to emulate Msgr. Bagambaki’s virtues of hard work, prayerfulness, gratitude and trust in God.
He also called on the younger generation to respect and care for the elderly while learning from their wisdom and experience. At the same time, he urged older people to be patient with young people and continue mentoring them.
Speaking during the celebrations, Edward Basaliza, a longtime friend and old boy colleague of Msgr. Bagambaki, described him as “a man of many firsts.” He highlighted his achievements, including becoming the first Head Prefect of St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, the first African Diocesan Treasurer, the pioneer of the diocesan exotic cattle farm, and the person who transformed Nkuruba Farm into a model agricultural project that supplied food to schools in Fort Portal.
In his remarks, Msgr. Bagambaki thanked God for the gift of 80 years of life and more than five decades of priestly service.
He encouraged Christians to cherish every day they are given, saying life is like a garden where people must plant seeds of goodness if they hope to reap beautiful flowers. He urged believers to place their confidence in God and to focus more on their blessings than on their challenges, noting that life becomes more meaningful when lived with gratitude and faith.