Alice
The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa, has officially opened St. Augustine Kigaraale Catholic Parish in Kyenjojo District yesterday October 11, 2026, making it the 38th parish in the diocese
The occasion , attracted hundreds of Christians witnessing the inauguration of the new parish, carved out of Katoosa Parish to bring spiritual services closer to the faithful.
St. Augustine Kigaraale Parish comprises ten churches, including St. Augustine Kigaraale, St. Adolf Kibira, St. Teresa Kyanyamirane, St. Mark’s Katunguru, St. Tito’s Bijumwa ,St. Mary’s Mirambi, among others.
During the ceremony, Bishop Muhiirwa officially announced Rev. Fr. Joachim Kasuja as the pioneer parish priest and Rev. Fr. Onesmas Ajuna as curate.
In his homily, Bishop Muhiirwa said the establishment of the parish is intended to bring essential spiritual services closer to Christians through Holy Mass and the administration of the sacraments, adding that the faithful should no longer have to travel long distances to access these services.
The bishop urged Christians, catechists and councils of the laity to cooperate with their parish priest and take responsibility for the development of the new parish.
He also encouraged the faithful to attend Sunday Mass and embrace daily prayer before engaging in their routine activities.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed parish priest, Rev. Fr. Joachim Kasuja, pledged to strengthen pastoral services, saying regular Holy Mass and confession will be available, while baptism and Christian instruction will be enhanced.
Fr. Kasuja also said the parish would prioritise visiting and anointing the sick and elderly, as well as preparing couples for marriage and celebrating the sacrament within the Christian community.
Kamuli Kuteesa, the Minister of State for Gender and Culture and Member of Parliament for Mwenge South, who was the chief guest, congratulated the parishioners and all those whose prayers, contributions and hard work had made the establishment of the parish possible.
Kuteesa called on the faithful to make the parish a place where people grow in faith, find comfort and guidance, and unite in supporting the well-being of the community through practical acts of love.