Thousands of Christians gathered at Rushoroza Cathedral grounds for a four day conference organized by Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) Kabale Diocese for Breaking of Curses and Receiving Blessings. The Conference which started on Thursday, December 4 to Sunday, December 7, 2025 was facilitated by Rev. Fr. John Baptist Bashobora, a renowned preacher and Spiritual Director of Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Mbarara Archdiocese.
Fr. Bashobora implored Christians to mend and strengthen their relationship with God and always be connected to him and avoid all that distorts this relationship with their creator.He called on Christians to remain attentive to God’s voice and embody the character of Jesus Christ through love, forgiveness, happiness, and repentance.
Drawing from Galatians 5:6, he encouraged believers to reject the works of Satan and instead allow the Holy Spirit to dwell within them. He reminded worshippers that they are called to bring peace, joy, and love to others, emphasizing that no Christian should underestimate themselves.
Fr. Bashobora also stressed humility in evangelization, advising the faithful to avoid quarrels, use scripture as their weapon, stay patient in faith, and love those they minister to. He further warned against the “politics of religion,” noting that Christians are pilgrims on earth and that true leadership comes from God.
The Conference was characterized by praise and worship, deep prayer and various miracles for example a boy from Muko Parish in Rubanda district who was crippled from childhood was able to walk.
The Congress drew thousands of faithful from Kabale Diocese and neighboring regions, including several prominent leaders such as Hon. Henry Musasizi, Rubanda East MP and Minister of Finance (General Duties), Hon. Dr. Nicholas Thaddeus Kamara (Kabale Municipality), Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba (Ndorwa East), Hon. Catherine Ndamira (Woman MP Kabale District), Hon. Eliab Naturinda Mporera (Ndorwa West MP flag bearer), Hon. Ninsiima Evelyn Kikafunda (Rubanda woman MP hopeful), Ampaire Stephen Kasyaba (L.C. V Rubanda), Nshangabashaija Nelson (L.C. V Kabale), Mr. Tumukwasiibwe Nicodemus Odo (Chairman Laity for Kabale Diocese) among others.
Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba, MP for Ndorwa East in Kabale district hailed Fr. John Baptist Bashobora as a “hero of faith,” noting that God has used him to heal and transform the lives of millions of people throughout the world. Fr. Bashobora celebrated 80 years of age during celebration of evening Mass on Friday, December 5, 2025.
After celebration of Mass which he presided over, all the priests present, politicians, and Christians broke into a spirited birthday song for Fr. Bashobora. The entire congregation erupted into cheers, ululations, and praise, creating an atmosphere of overwhelming spiritual energy and gratitude. Hon. Niwagaba urged the renowned priest to consider hosting an annual Conference in Kabale Diocese, despite his demanding schedule.
In her remarks, the Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Catherine Ndamira Atwakiire thanked Fr. Bashobora for his selfless service and touching the lives of may people especially the underprivileged. He called on Christians to embrace a hardworking lifestyle as a means of generating income and improving their wellbeing. She encouraged Christians to put into practice the teachings they received throughout the conference, stressing that their conduct should reflect the spiritual growth gained from the event.
Mr. Twesigomwe Simon Saime, the Coordinator for CCR in Kabale Diocese thanked Fr. Bashobora for his availability to conduct all the sessions throughout the conference despite having tight schedules. He also thanked Fr. Boniface Barisigara, spiritual director of CCR Kabale Diocese for leading the team to organize a successful conference. He also urged the faithful to go back into their respective prayer groups and strengthen them, putting in practice that they acquired in the conference.
In his closing remarks, Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, Vicar General of Kabale Diocese thanked Fr. John Bashobora for his rich message delivered to the Christians both present and through airwaves of Radio Maria. He encouraged Christians to deepen their relationship with Christ and stand firm in their Catholic faith. He urged them to have family meetings, work hard, initiate income-generating projects, plan their annual activities responsibly, and keep Sunday holy by attending Mass faithfully with proper disposition.