Clare N
Three deacons and six seminarians have been approved to be ordained to the Holy Orders of Priesthood and Diaconate respectively in the Diocese of Fort Portal this year.
The ordination Candidates
According to an official document released by the local ordinary, Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki, three deacons will be ordained priests including Patrick Tusiime from Kitumbi Parish, Patrick Tumwesigye from Nyakasura Parish, and Hillary Niyonshaba from Kamwenge Parish.
In the same way, six seminarians will be ordained deacons including Onesmus Ajuna from Kanyamukale Parish, Wilfred Mugisa from Wekomiire Parish, Tom Tumwebaze from Butunduzi, Ronald Tukahiirwa from Kitagwenda, Binta Alexandria Mzee from Yerya, and Derrick Tushabe from Kahunge at an ordination ceremony scheduled to take place at Our Lady of Snows Virika Cathedral in Fort Portal City on July 26, 2025.
Praying for Candidates
In a letter dated June 11, 2025, Bishop Muhiirwa invited the faithful to offer prayers for the candidates, that they may be strengthened in faith and serve the Church with dedication and commitment once ordained.
He also urged the candidates’ parish priests to formally read out the banns to their congregations, intending to allow time for any necessary concerns to be raised and addressed prior to ordination.
Quoting the provisions of Canon Law (CIC 1051 & 1052), Bishop Muhiirwa encouraged anyone who may be aware of any canonical impediments or other issues that could affect a candidate’s suitability, to come forward and contact their parish priest or the bishop’s office without delay.
This year’s ordination list shows a slight increase in the number of candidates, with a total of nine, three for the priesthood and six for the diaconate compared to last year’s six candidates, three Deacons and Three seminarians.
