Clare
As a way of extending services closer to the people of God, The Fort Portal Catholic Diocese has on Sunday October 13 officially opened Uganda Martyr’s catholic parish Rugombe, bringing the total number of parishes to 35 in the diocese.
The new parish has been carved out of Butiiti catholic parish in the same Diocese.
Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki emphasized that the decision to establish this parish was based on the pastoral and administrative expansion of Butiiti, allowing for enhanced services to the local community. The new parish includes three zones and 15 outstations, demonstrating its readiness to function independently, as revealed by the pastoral coordinator’s assessment.
Christians Advised to Utilize Parish for Spiritual and Economic Growth
During the Mass held at the new parish in Rugombe Town Council Kyenjojo district, Bishop Muhiirwa encouraged congregants to make the most of their new parish by regularly receiving sacraments and attending daily Mass, urging them to remain engaged beyond the initial excitement.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Benard Bitekerezo, the Parish Priest of Butiiti, expressed his gratitude for the new parish and urged parishioners to embrace this opportunity for spiritual renewal through the ministry of the Word and hard work. He recognized the efforts of the organizing committee, led by Hon. Faith Philo Kunihira, in making the inauguration a success.
Fr. Bitekerezo, also congratulated Fr. Francis Xavier Musiime on his appointment as the new parish priest, noting that Butiiti parish transferred the new parish without debts and supported it with 5 million Shillings to aid its launch.
Fr. Musiime, the first parish priest of Uganda Martyr’s Rugombe, expressed appreciation for the support from the mother parish, the Bishop, and all those who contributed to the inauguration. He pledged that his parish would serve as a model for utilizing Small Christian Communities and other movements, with his guidance as the Diocesan chaplain for Small Christian Communities.
He called for collective efforts between the clergy, religious and lay Christians to push forward the achievement.
Hon. Tom Butiime, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, highlighted Rugombe’s proximity to Kibale National Park, encouraging parishioners to seize opportunities for economic growth through small-scale industries and agriculture. He also donated 5 million Shillings to the new parish.
The chief guest, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba commended the timely establishment of Uganda Martyr’s Parish, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the Uganda Martyrs. She encouraged Christians to name their children after the Uganda Martyrs to honor their legacy and praised Bishop Muhiirwa and the Catholic Church for emulating the NRM agenda of extending services nearer to people, contributing 5 million Shillings to the new parish.
