The Bishop of Kabale Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira on Saturday ordained eight priests at Rushoroza Cathedral. The newly ordained priests belong to the Institute of the Apostles of Jesus. During the solemn Mass, Bishop Rubaramira reminded the newly ordained priests that their priesthood is a call to serve in the name of Christ. He further encouraged them to remember that they have been chosen from among many to dedicate their lives to the service of God among his people.
You are to work in the name of Christ but your priesthood is not for yourselves—it is for serving Christians in His name – Bishop Callist Rubaramira.
While preaching during Mass, Fr. Placid Mugumya, the Bishop’s Secretary, emphasized that God calls whom He wills and that those called should respond with faith and commitment. He urged the newly ordained priests to remain true and faithful to their responsibilities, warning against neglecting one’s duties, a reminder that priesthood is a sacred gift, not a personal possession.
Do the work assigned to you with one heart, and resist the temptations that may draw you away from your mission. When you are called by God, stand firm, live according to the virtues of priesthood and always speak the truth; for the truth will set you free – Fr. Placid Mugumya.
Rev. Fr. John Mary Mooka Kamweri, Regional Superior of Apostles of Jesus for the region of Uganda thanked Bishop Callist Rubaramira for ordaining the members of Apostles of Jesus and thanked all who have supported them on their priestly journey. He said they are priests, missionaries and religious. As religious, they are expected to imitate Christ by being chaste, poor and obedient. As missionaries, they are sent to all parts of the world to take the Good News to all ends of the earth and as priests, they are urged them to be good priests and shepherds after the heart of Jesus. He called on the Christians to support them and don’t encourage them to break their vows.
Fr. Mooka said that since the establishment of the Institute of Apostles of Jesus on August 22, 1968 in Moroto, Uganda by Rt. Rev. Sixtus Mazzoldi, Kabale Diocese has offered the congregation of Apostles of Jesus the highest number of priests compared to other Dioceses. The eight priests who were ordained and sent were:
- Fr. Patrick Tumushabe – Buhara Parish (posted in the Region of Kenya)
- Fr. Vincent Niwabeine – Maziba Parish (posted in the Province of Uganda)
- Fr. Tarasisio Mucunguzi – Kyanamira Parish (posted in the Region of Kenya)
- Fr. Silas Majoro – Kinanira Parish (posted in the Vice Province of Tanzania)
- Fr. Benjamin Chakuwa – Mutorere Parish (General Administration in Nairobi)
- Fr. Deusdedit Birungi – Makiro Parish (General Administration in Nairobi))
- Fr. Nicholas Byaruhanga – Buhara Parish (assigned to the Vice Province of Tanzania)
- Fr. Leopold Nkurunungi – Muko Parish (assigned to the General Administration in Nairobi)
State Minister of Finance in charge of General Duties, Hon. Henry Musasizi who also doubles as MP for Rubanda East, urged the newly ordained priests to act as ambassadors for Uganda in the East African region since all of them had been posted in regions of Kenya and Tanzania except one who will serve in Uganda.
Much as your cardinal duty is to proclaim the word of God, we are requesting you to also market our country. Tell the people of Kenya and Tanzania about Uganda’s rich tourism industry and other sectors of the economy so that they can bring in money for our people – Hon. Henry Musasizi.
In his remarks, Bishop Callist Rubaramira urged the newly ordained priests to let Christ lead their ministry and to remain true to their divine calling. He reminded them to preach the word of God boldly and live a life of holiness, prayer and self-sacrifice. He further encouraged them to emulate Christ’s humility and obedience, warning them against being controlled by worldly desires.
Bishop Rubaramira noted that priesthood is not about power or privilege but about service to God’s people. He urged them to remain steadfast in prayer, seek God’s guidance in all challenges, and remember to intercede for others.
He further assured them that just as God accompanied Moses through every trial, He would also walk with them in their ministry. The Bishop concluded by encouraging the new priests to respect their superiors, remain obedient to their congregation, treating all Christians with love and humility.
Among the dignitaries present included Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba (Ndorwa East), Hon. Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira (woman MP Kabale District) represented by her husband Eng. Didas Ndamira, Hon. Kamuntu Moses Mwongyera (Rubanda West), Hon. Grace Ngabirano Akifeeza (Woman MP Kisoro), Hon. Prossy Akampurira (Woman MP Rubanda), Ampeire Stephen Kasyaba (L.C 5 Rubanda), Nshangabashaija Nelson (L.C.5 Kabale), Hon. Asgario Turyagyenda (Bukimbiri Hopeful and Chairman Laity for Mutolere Deanery), Hon. Evelyn Kikafunda (President of Green Environment Promotion and Woman MP Rubanda hopeful), Associate Prof. Maximiano Ngabirano (Vice Chancellor of St. Ignatius University Kabale), Narcis Rwangoga (Chairman KKCRA), Dr. Francis Runumi (former L.C 5 Kabale), among others.