By Clare N
There were mixed emotions at St. Jude’s Kyarusozi Holy Cross Parish in Kyenjojo District as Christians gathered to bid farewell to Rev. Fr. James Burasa Amooti CSC, who has served as parish priest since 2018.
After nearly eight years of transformative leadership, Fr. Burasa leaves behind a legacy marked by spiritual renewal, infrastructural development, and socioeconomic progress, making Kyarusozi one of the model parishes in Fort Portal Catholic Diocese.
Fr. Burasa, a former Superior of Holy Cross East Africa, is widely credited for fostering unity among Christians from diverse cultural backgrounds, thanks in part to his linguistic versatility and inclusive pastoral approach.
Speaking at the farewell function, Christopher Mwesige, Vice Chairperson of the Council of Laity, commended Fr. Burasa’s remarkable leadership and development-oriented vision. He noted that through strong lobbying and collaboration, the parish witnessed major infrastructural achievements, including the construction of a 1.3 billion shilling storied presbytery, a modern administration block, and the renovation of the parish church, social hall, and guest house.
Infrastructual development
Beyond physical developments, Fr. Burasa significantly strengthened the spiritual life of the parish. He introduced Monthly Prayer Power initiatives, delivered impactful homilies, and promoted relevant theological teaching. His leadership also revitalized lay apostolate movements such as the Catholic Women Association, Catholic Men Association, CANA Movement, Legion of Mary, Holy Childhood, Charismatic Renewal, and Bakaiso, among others.
Through these initiatives, he encouraged active participation in both the spiritual and socioeconomic life of the parish. His “mindset change” program inspired Christians to take ownership of parish sustainability, culminating in the collection of approximately 144 million shillings during the most recent Christmas envelope campaign.
Active Engagement
In his farewell homily, Fr. Burasa emphasized the urgent need for active Christian engagement, warning against what he described as “spectator Christianity.” Citing research, he noted that only about 10% of Catholics are actively involved in Church mission, while many remain passive participants.
He reminded the faithful that Christ Himself addressed a similar challenge by calling ordinary men to become His disciples. Fr. Burasa urged Christians not to wait for perfection but to take responsibility for the Church’s mission, rather than leaving it solely to priests and catechists.
He also cautioned against prioritizing physical healing over spiritual well-being, encouraging believers to focus on the healing of the soul and remain committed to the path toward eternal life.
Kyenjojo District Woman MP, Hon. Baguma Spelanza, described Fr. Burasa as a development-oriented leader dedicated to uplifting his community. She pledged continued support to the incoming parish priest, Rev. Fr. Innocent Ahuniriza.
Mary Ngarambi a relative to Fr Burasa, hailed the Kyarusozi community for their support, noting that although the family will miss him, they trust that God will guide him in his new mission.
In his remarks, Fr. Burasa commended the Christian community for their cooperation and highlighted the strong partnerships he built with government entities, other religious denominations, and the Fort Portal Diocese. He encouraged his successor to rely on the Holy Spirit and called on parishioners to offer him the same support they had given.
Next role
Meanwhile, the Provincial Vicar Bro. Cleophas Kyomuhendo CSC described Fr. Burasa as a “doctor of souls,” whose impact is evident in the strong faith and commitment of the Kyarusozi community. He praised his contributions to education, infrastructure, and socioeconomic transformation.
Fr. Burasa, a PhD holder, has now been assigned by the Congregation of Holy Cross to help establish a new university in Jinja focused on family ministries an initiative expected to further extend his legacy of faith-based transformation.
Fr Burasa leaves Kyarusozi as a model parish of the Diocese of Fort Portal