ALICE KOBUSINGE
The Rt. Reverend Dr. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, officially inaugurated the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Provincial Youth Leaders Workshop yesterday. The event brought together youth leaders from various dioceses within the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province, including Kabale, Kasese, Hoima, Fort Portal, and Mbarara Archdiocese.
Youth Rallied to Utilze Talents
Bishop Muhiirwa, speaking at the opening of the workshop held at St. Adolf Ongoing Formation Center in Mukabura, Fort Portal City, emphasized the importance of helping young individuals recognize their unique talents.
He encouraged the youth leaders to guide them in making the most of available opportunities to combat unemployment, using government-sponsored technical schools as an example of such opportunities.
Furthermore, Bishop Muhiirwa highlighted on providing career guidance to students, ensuring they make informed choices regarding their courses of study to avoid misplaced decisions. He also called on young people to desist from engaging in acts driven by monetary gain, particularly the need to discourage involvement in homosexuality for financial reasons.
In addition to these responsibilities, Bishop Muhiirwa urged the youth leaders to act as agents of positive change in their respective dioceses through putting into practice the knowledge they acquire during the workshop.
Rev.Fr. Paul Mugabyomu, the Youth Chaplain of Fort Portal Diocese, revealed that the workshop which commenced yesterday is scheduled to conclude on the 13th of this Friday. The discussions during the workshop cover a range of topics, including youth-related issues and environmental protection as suggested in Laudato Si.
According to Joyce Zako, the National Youth Coordinator of the Uganda Episcopal Conference and the organizer of the workshop, Fort Portal Diocese was chosen as the host for the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Provincial event due to its active role in the Mbarara Province and its commendable efforts in protecting the environment.
She expressed hope that Fort Portal’s hosting would serve as a model for other dioceses to learn how to better protect Mother Nature.
Carry out apostolic work- Fr.Candia to the youth
One of the workshop facilitators, Reverend Fr. Stephen Candia, the Vice Rector of St. Mary’s National Seminary Ggaba, encouraged the youth leaders to carry out their apostolic work as laypersons.
During his address at the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Provincial Youth Leaders Workshop, held at St. Adolf Ongoing Formation Center in Mukabura, Fort Portal City, Father Candia emphasized the importance of youth leaders being active within their communities, so they can allow those around them to feel the presence of Christ.
Fr. Candia cautioned against the misuse of alcohol and creating disruptions at their workplaces, urging the youth leaders to embrace renewal instead.
He emphasized the need for them to responsibly use the gifts that God has bestowed upon them and strive to live a life of moral uprightness, serving as positive role models for others in their communities.
