The Catholic Women Apostolate (CWA) of Kabale Diocese has elected and inaugurated a new Diocesan Executive to steer the Apostolate for the next four years, from 2026 to 2030, with Church leaders calling on the new team to embrace servant leadership, accountability, teamwork and holistic development.
The Catholic Women Apostolate coordinates and promotes the participation of Catholic women across all parishes of Kabale Diocese, bringing together women in the association and beyond, whether married or unmarried, to strengthen their faith and contribute to the mission of the Church.
The elections were held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Rushoroza Pastoral Centre and were presided over by the Chairman of the Diocesan Laity Council, Mr. Tumukwasiibwe Nicodemus Odo.
The newly elected Diocesan Executive comprises Mrs. Twine Agnes (Rushoroza Deanery) as Chairperson, Mrs. Baguma Scovia (Kitanga Deanery) as Vice Chairperson, Ms. Nabukenya Angella (Makiro Deanery) as Secretary, Ms. Bihira Pamella (Mutolere Deanery) as Vice Secretary, and Mrs. Beyendera Vastine (Rushoroza Deanery) as Treasurer.
The committee members are Mrs. Catherine Turyahebwa (Nyakibale Deanery), Mrs. Kamusiime Roursette (Bukinda Deanery), Ms. Kyomuhendo Glorious (Rubanda Deanery), and Mrs. Mugarura Martha (Makiro Deanery).
Congratulating the newly elected leaders, Mr. Odo reminded them that leadership is a call to exemplary service rather than privilege. He noted that people place high expectations on their leaders and urged them to remain attentive to the needs of those they serve.
He encouraged the executive to work as one team, pray for one another, and inspire members through their witness. He emphasized that leadership in the Church should not be confined to organizing prayers but should also promote integral human development, urging the women to champion education, fight poverty, encourage participation in government development programmes, and strengthen Christian families.
Representing the Women’s Desk in the Caritas Department of Kabale Diocese, Mrs. Mababazi Hilda commended the outgoing executive under the leadership of Mrs. Sophia Mbonigaba for raising the profile of the Catholic Women Apostolate throughout the Diocese. She observed that the association has become visible and vibrant across the diocesan structures, thanks to the commitment of the outgoing leadership.
She also thanked the executive for working closely with Caritas Kabale Diocese in implementing programmes and projects that have positively impacted women and their families. Addressing the incoming leaders, she urged them to embrace selfless service, reminding them that leadership is about producing tangible results at Hiika, parish and diocesan levels rather than seeking positions of honour. She encouraged them to entrust every challenge to God, saying that without Him nothing can be accomplished.
Representing the National Office of the Catholic Women Apostolate, the National Mobiliser and Chairperson of the Catholic Women Apostolate in Kasese Diocese, Mrs. Jane Francis Kamashamba, applauded the outgoing Chairperson, Mrs. Sophia Mbonigaba, for faithfully completing her two constitutional terms of office.
She credited Mrs. Mbonigaba with raising the profile of Kabale Diocese at the national level, noting that before her tenure, the Diocese had limited visibility within the national structures of the apostolate. She further informed members that Catholic Women Apostolate representatives from across the world gather every four years for an international assembly, with the next meeting scheduled to take place in Spain in 2027.
Mrs. Kamashamba encouraged the newly elected leaders to be passionate servants of the Church and to generously share any knowledge and experience they acquire for the benefit of all members.
In her farewell remarks before handing over office, the outgoing Chairperson, Mrs. Sophia Mbonigaba, thanked God for granting her the grace to serve two successful terms. She expressed gratitude to her executive committee and all members for their unwavering cooperation, dedication and commitment throughout her tenure.
Reflecting on her leadership journey, she acknowledged that leadership is never without challenges but said every difficulty offers an opportunity for growth, patience and greater understanding. She encouraged members to cultivate mutual respect, support their leaders and strengthen teamwork, noting that unity remains the foundation for achieving lasting progress.
Addressing the incoming executive, she congratulated them upon their election and urged them to place God at the centre of every decision. She particularly congratulated the newly elected Chairperson, Mrs. Twine Agnes, encouraging her to lead by example and remain faithful to the values she professes.
In her acceptance remarks, Mrs. Twine Agnes thanked the members for the confidence they had placed in her. She paid tribute to Mrs. Sophia Mbonigaba for mentoring and introducing her to the Catholic Women Apostolate, saying the outgoing leader had nurtured her leadership journey. She appealed to all members for unity, cooperation and active participation in advancing the mission and development of the apostolate across Kabale Diocese.
The Director of the Lay Apostolate Commission, Rev. Fr. Bruno Byomuhangi, under whose office the Catholic Women Apostolate falls, commended the outgoing leadership for strengthening the apostolate and enhancing the dignity and participation of Catholic women in the Diocese.
He paid special tribute to Mrs. Sophia Mbonigaba for courageously completing two terms of office, describing her leadership as one marked by resilience, respect for the hierarchy of the Church and collaborative service. He noted that the achievements realized during her tenure were the fruit of teamwork and shared commitment.
Fr. Byomuhangi reminded the newly elected leaders that every person has unique gifts and that when these gifts are brought together in a spirit of unity, extraordinary results are achieved. He challenged them to be accountable in their stewardship and to foster accountability among those they lead. He concluded by blessing and commissioning the new executive for their ministry in the Church.
The day’s celebrations concluded with the formal handover ceremony, followed by the cutting of a birthday cake in honour of the outgoing Chairperson, Mrs. Sophia Mbonigaba, in appreciation of her years of dedicated service to the Catholic Women Apostolate in Kabale Diocese.
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Great reporting.
Thank you Salvino.