Clare
The Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal has yesterday inaugurated its second parish of 2024, St. Mary’s Kigarama, carved from Bukwali Parish, bringing the total number of parishes to 36. The event was marked by joy and celebrations.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki in Holy Mass, alongside Fr. Mathew, the Provincial Superior of the Carmelites, and other clergy members. The occasion was graced by Uganda’s Prime Minister, Hon. Robina Nabbanja, who was joined by several ministers, including Hon.Tom Butime Ateenyi, Hon. Victoria Businge Rusoke, and Hon. Margaret Muhanga, as well as numerous faithful.
Fr. Gerald, the pastoral coordinator, presented a report highlighting St. Mary’s Kigarama’s readiness for parish status and requested Bishop Muhiirwa to elevate it. In response, Bishop Muhiirwa exercised his authority and granted the request, establishing the new parish under the administration of Carmelite Fathers of Indian origin. He appointed Fr. James Rinoj CMI as the inaugural Parish Priest and Fr. Biju Lukose CMI as the Curate.
Bishop Muhiirwa praised the Carmelites for their commitment to the Diocese of Fort Portal, expressing hope that their presence would help transform Kigarama into a vibrant center of evangelization and salvation for the glory of God. He urged Christians to cooperate with their priests in fulfilling this mission and to take full advantage of the services offered for their spiritual and personal well-being.
“I have been informed that for the past few days ever since the priests arrived, Christians have been turning up for Mass in large numbers, I urge you to continue with the same spirit as they stay, not just doing it at the start.” Noted the Bishop
On the Feast of Christ the King, Bishop Muhiirwa urged Christians to reject sin, corruption, misuse of power, and adultery, calling on them to use the gifts given by God with humility, to seek eternal life in the kingdom Christ promised.
Fr Mutangirizi Calls for Hardwork
Rev. Fr. Moses Mutangirizi, Parish Priest of Bukwali, the mother parish of Kigarama, expressed gratitude to the pioneer priests for their dedication in coming from India to serve God in Fort Portal. He assured them of full cooperation in advancing God’s work and the parishioners to work hard to sustain them.
Mr. Richard Rwabuhinga, the Kabarole District Chairperson and head of the organizing committee, urged the parishioners to embrace unity and diversity, focusing on spiritual and economic growth. He thanked Bishop Muhiirwa, the parishioners, and everyone involved for making the day a success, and pledged full support in helping Kigarama thrive.
Rev. Fr. James Rinoj, the new Parish Priest of Kigarama, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome from the parishioners and the Diocese, particularly Bishop Muhiirwa, for his fatherly guidance. He encouraged the parishioners to continue their enthusiasm in building Kigarama as a center for evangelization.
The Chief Guest, Rt. Hon. Robina Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda, praised the Catholic Church for its efforts in holistic transformation and urged religious leaders to collaborate with the government in promoting economic development through their initiatives.
Premier Nabbanja, issued a clear warning to those charging school fees in government-aided schools, regarding such actions as illegal noting that every child has the right to free education in government-aided schools since the government fully funds the costs, and thus it is illegal for school administrators to demand additional payments that would hinder children’s access to quality education. She stressed that keeping children in school is a critical tool in the fight against poverty.
Nabbanja who expressed optimism about the new parish, describing it as a symbol of hope and socio-economic transformation, emphasized the government’s commitment to collaborating with the church to promote values such as honesty, discipline, and hard work, which are vital for socio-economic progress.
