By Winnie Masiika,
KASESE
The Bishop of Kasese catholic diocese, Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira has asked government to fully involve the Church in the reconciliatory and peace restoration plans aimed at naturalizing trauma among the directly affected families and communities days after the recent ADF raid on a school in Kasese district.
He made the call while presiding over Homily Mass for the newly ordained priests and Deacons at St. John’s Minor Seminary-Kiburara on Tuesday.
Bishop Kibira said the incident at Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Secondary school didn’t affect only government but entire country and the Church as well.
He said the Church is open at all time to guide and comfort the affected communities when fully involved in such similar plans.
In his homily, the Bishop asked Christians to put their faith in action and asked families to build on three pillars of praying, planning and working together as children of God if they were to easily reign over powers of Satan.
The diocese today received two new priests Rev. Fr. Loti Bwambale from Kyarumba Parish and Rev. Fr. Modest Bwambale from Nyakahya Parish in a significant event marking the ordination of the 73rd and 74th priests in the history of the diocese of Kasese.
Three seminariabs, Ednus Mumbere, Fredrick Masereka, and Morris Thembo, were ordained into the order of deaconate.
The ordination ceremony was brought to life by the vibrant participation of Nsenyi Parish. In his sermon, Bishop Kibira delivered an inspiring message to the congregation, emphasizing the importance of priests actively building and nurturing communities within the parishes they serve.
He reminded the priests that their role is one of service to the people, urging them to lead by example and to share the teachings of Jesus Christ through their words and actions. The Bishop’s homily revolved around the theme “Go and Bear Fruits that Last,” highlighting the significance of bearing sweet fruits to the community by demonstrating love, compassion, and the transformative power of faith.
The State Minister for National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga addressed the newly ordained priests, urging them to fulfill their duty of preaching against immoral acts prevalent in society, including terrorism and homosexuality.
He commended the role of the church in upholding moral values and encouraged priests to remain steadfast in their mission.
Hon. Godfrey Kabyanga re-echoed his earlier call against ADF collaborators whom he said need to be flashed out on the Ugandan side as the UPDF deals with remnants across in the DR Congo.
He said security was following up clues that whereas some men had joined subversive acts in the DR Congo, their wives in Uganda were bearing children with the same ADF insurgents he said do not operate where they do not have collaboration.
Mr. Eliphaz Muhindi Bukombi, the Kasese District Chairperson, also highlighted the importance of the church’s support in combating corruption, which hampers public development and welfare.
The Parents representative Mr. Blasio Kambere, a father to Rev. Fr. Loti asked the newly ordained priests to live an exemplary life with integrity as well as fulfilling the promises made before the alter of Christ.
Rev. Fr Loti Maate who commended the almighty for making their dream come true asked Christians and religious leaders to continue praying for them as they start a new journey in life.
The Bishop has appointed Rev Fr. Loti Maate as curate Kasese Parish and Rev.Fr. Modesto Bwambale as Curate Kasanga Parish with reporting date on 31st July 2023.
Source: UEC
