Four sisters of the Daughters of Our Lady of Fatima Congregation on Saturday marked 50 years of religious life with a colorful celebration at Our Lady of Fatima Community, Rushoroza with mass presided over by Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese. The celebration took place on Saturday , August 16, 2025 in the Mother House of the Daughters of Our Lady of Fatima in Rushoroza Cathedral Parish.
The jubilarians include Sr. Agnes Kakuru, born on July 8, 1952 in Nyakibale Parish (Kabale Diocese), joined the Daughters of Our Lady of Fatima (DOLF) in 1972 and made her first profession on 24th August 1975. The others are Sr. Judith Byembabazi, born on December 8, 1948 in Kakore Parish (Kabale Diocese), Sr. Specioza Tushemereirwe, born on December 9, 1952 from Kigarama Parish (Mbarara Archdiocese) and Sr. Sephoroza Kantayomba, born in 1955 from Rubindi Parish (Mbarara Archdiocese), who all joined the congregation in 1973 and made their first vows on 24th August 1974. The four sisters made the final profession on December 16, 2001.
While preaching during Mass, Bishop Callist Rubaramira reminded the faithful of their different gifts endowed upon them by the Holy Spirit and he urged them to use these gifts for the common good. He emphasized the importance of unity and complementarity, noting that when the gifts complement one another, they help build stronger and more harmonious communities.
The Bishop further highlighted the power of Christ’s love, encouraging the faithful to let this love inspire them to spread the Gospel and live joyfully with others. He also called on Christians to remain true to their identity by staying firm in faith and fulfilling God’s expectations with dedication and love. The Bishop also urged the faithful to live joyfully in Christ’s love, to spread the Gospel, and to match their faith with dedication and service to God.
The Golden Jubilee celebration was was combined with a fundraising drive for the completion of Sisters’ residence in the Mother House. The campaign sought to raise UGX 248,269,000, and by the close of the event, a total of UGX 191,935,000 in cash and pledges had been realized, alongside 475 bags of cement.
Sr. Scholastic Kyobutungi, the Superior General of the Daughters of Our Lady of Fatima, thanked Bishop Callist for his presence, availability, love, support, encouragement, care and standing with them through all seasons; in both faintest and brightest weather. She also thanked all the people of God who accepted the invitation especially the Guest of Honor, Dr. Joseph Tumwebaze and for the enormous contribution made towards the fundraising. She highlighted the need for improved facilities for the Fatima sisters, explaining that the current residence is no longer sufficient for all of them, hence need to construct a a new and modern one.
She congratulated the jubilations for their dedication, patience and commitment, which have touched the lives of many and that their fifty years in religious life was a proof of strength and courage. She also appreciated the efforts of the Central Organizing Committee chaired by Eng. Januario Bagamuhunda and the Kampala chapter chaired by Mr. Narcis Rwangonga for the successful organization. She re-affirmed the congregation’s mission to spread the message of Our Lady of Fatima — promoting conversion, peace, reconciliation, and salvation — while offering comfort to the hearts of Jesus and Mary.
In his remarks as chief guest, Hon. Henry Musasizi Ariganyira, Minister of State for Finance (General Duties) and MP for Rubanda East commended the sisters for their dedication, and championing local development by supporting income generating ventures, microfinance schemes and entrepreneurship. he called on the Catholic Church to continue taking a leading role in promoting development and poverty eradication among the faithful. He urged the faithful to raise awareness on the social concerns, advocate for policy reforms and be champions of social justice.
Dr. Joseph Tumwebaze, who was the Guest of Honor encouraged Christians to embrace and foster peace that has prevailed under National resistance Movement (NRM) government and take part in its programs like Parish Development Model (PDM) in order to access funds to boost their household income. He used the opportunity to appeal to church leaders to to guide citizens not to be misled by “politics of hate, propaganda and lies.”
The celebration attracted several dignitaries, among them Hon. Catheline Ndamira Atwakiire, Kabale District Woman MP; Hon. Nicholas Thaddeus Kamara, Kabale Municipality MP; Hon. Eliab Naturinda Mporera, NRM flag bearer for Ndorwa West; and Kabale District Chairman Nshangabasheija Nelson, Sentaro Byamugisha, Mayor for Kabale Municipality, Mr. Tumukwasiibwe Nicodemus Odo, the chairman Laity for Kabale Diocese among others.
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Congratulations Daughters of Our Lady of Fatima, frankly the function was well organized.
Congratulations Bishop Rubaramira and Faithful for holding series of events in the Diocese and Vocations promotion.
Glory to God for the grace