Clare
The Christians of Nyaibanda Sub-Parish in Mwenge South can now joyfully look forward to the fulfillment of their long-awaited prayer for parish status, as promised earlier by the Bishop.
The joy among the Catholic believers in Nyaibanda Sub- parish, Katoosa Parish, was evident when Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki announced that all necessary inspections had been completed by the Diocese’s concerned department, and that their church would officially be elevated to parish status in September this year.
This good news, hit the ears of believers during a fundraising event held on Sunday this week, at Nyaibanda, led by the Bishop to raise funds for completing the construction of the priests’ house, underscoring their commitment to attaining parish status.
During the event, John Mary Kaija, the Chairperson Council of Laity, highlighted that the ongoing visible projects were proof of the community’s self-drive and determination to achieve this milestone. He also expressed gratitude to the Bishop for his support and to Fr. Venancio Busobozi, the Parish Priest of Katoosa, for his guidance.
Katoosa Parish Priest acknowledges elevation
Rr. Fr. Busobozi, noted that the elevation was long overdue, depending on the hard work and commitment of the Christians. He requested the Bishop to quicken the process as soon as possible.
Hon. Katalihwa Donald Byabazaire, the Member of Parliament for Mwenge South and Chief Fundraiser, who generously donated all the roofing materials for the presbytery, emphasized that the elevation of the parish would spur further development in the area, benefiting people of all faiths.
Once elevated, Nyaibanda will become the 37th parish in the Diocese, following last year’s elevation of Kigarama Catholic Parish, which was carved from Bukwali Parish
In preparation for the much-anticipated Parish, the Christians of Nyaibanda Sub-Parish in Katoosa Parish, Mwenge South, held a fundraising event yesterday to complete the priests’ house. The event successfully raised a total of 15 million Shillings, consisting of 13.2 million in cash and 2.4 million in pledges.
Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki, who presided over the ceremony as the main celebrant, urged the faithful to continue in repentance during this Lenten season. He emphasized the importance of respecting God’s word, which guides believers in reflecting on their spirituality and living according to His teachings.
The Bishop also reminded the congregation to be mindful of those around them, promoting peaceful coexistence without anger or jealousy, and fostering love and patience. He highlighted the role of church movements such as the Catholic Men’s Association, Catholic Women’s Association, and CANA in supporting these values.
Addressing a request from Fr. Venancio Busobozi, the Parish Priest of Katoosa, to elevate Nyaibanda and Kigaraari to Parish levels, Bishop Muhiirwa confirmed that Nyaibanda will become the 37th parish in Fort Portal Diocese later this year, with the official opening scheduled for September.
However, the Bishop urged an end to unhealthy competition between the two sub-parishes, emphasizing the importance of peaceful growth without rivalry.
During the fundraising, Hon. Kataliwha Donald Byabazaire, the Member of Parliament for Mwenge South, generously contributed 4.5 million Shillings, in addition to providing the iron sheets used to roof the priests’ house.
He expressed strong confidence in both the Catholic Church and the project, noting that the establishment of a Parish will promote development in the area. He called on fellow leaders to support and embrace this initiative.
Nyaibanda Christians who talked to Jubilee Radio, expressed gratitude to Bishop Muhiirwa for confirming their request, noting that they are ready to do all it takes to be elevated to the parish level.
