Claire
The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki, has commended the outgoing leadership of the Congregation of Religious Brothers of St. Joseph the Worker for ensuring a peaceful transition of power to the current leadership.
The Bishop made these remarks yesterday at the handover ceremony of the previous council, led by Brother Aloysius Kiiza as the Superior General, to the new Superior General, Brother Eugene Bwambale Africa, at a ceremony that took place at the Kinyamasika Generalate in Fort Portal Catholic Diocese.
“Unlike in some government institutions, you have done well to organize elections and eventually handover power peacefully” Said the Bishop
Bishop Muhiirwa, who officiated the handover that commenced with Holy Mass, commended the brothers for their resilience during the past six years of service and for organizing peaceful elections and a smooth handover.
He pointed out that unlike in some institutions in the country, where leaders resist leaving power, the brothers exemplified humility and respect for their constitution.
Welcoming the new leadership, the Bishop encouraged the religious brothers to recognize the fact that they are valuable assets to the Church, highlighting their exceptional work, such as caring for sick priests, teaching vocational courses, which depict their patron saint Joseph the Worker.
“On behalf of all the Dioceses where you operate, I take the honor to let you know that you are an invaluable asset to the church, thank you for the exceptional work you are doing to support the church like taking care of the sick priests at Nsambya” He added.
Not a Prestigious Job- New Superior Warned
Rev. Brother Aloysius Kiiza, the outgoing Superior General, described his six-year tenure as a victorious one, praising his team for their unity and perseverance. He handed over leadership of 65 religious brothers—49 perpetually professed and 16 with semi-permanent vows—with a call on the new leadership to embrace the office with prayer, sacrifice, accountability, and empathy.
“We are handing over a congregation of 65 Brothers operating in four Dioceses. At a time when financial challenges are prevailing, you must think hard to ensure their survival” Noted Bro. Kiiza
The new Superior General, Brother Eugene Bwambale Africa, who also served as Vice Superior in the previous council, expressed his gratitude to Bishop Muhiirwa for his continued guidance and to the previous council for their outstanding work.
He emphasized that his leadership will focus on collaboration and prayer, and he urged the outgoing leadership to remain close for ongoing guidance to ensure the success of the congregation.
“We are glad that the new council consists of 60% of the old council meaning that they are partly aware of what the congregation is going through. We ask for cooperation with the former leaders, because this tenure of leadership will purely focus on love and unity” Remarked Bro. Africano.
