Thousands of Christians in Kabale Diocese on Saturday, August 23, 2025 with witnessed a thrilling moment as Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, presided over an Ordination Ceremony at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral where four deacons were ordained to the priesthood and eight seminarians were ordained Deacons.
During the ceremony, Bishop Callist Rubaramira reminded the newly ordained that their calling is to be true servants of Jesus Christ, and that they should dedicate their lives wholly to the service of God among his people. He urged them to work diligently, remain steadfast in faith, and never compromise the values and virtues of Christ and above all avoid clerical passivism.
He encouraged them to be men of prayer, faithful ministers of the sacraments, and authentic representatives of Christ in their ministry. The Bishop further invited them to seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, walk under the guidance of Jesus, having time for personal prayer and embrace a life of sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel.
You are chosen to make God’s people holy. Be assured that Christ walks with you, for God said “I will be with you as I was with my servant Moses” (Joshua 1:5). Fulfill His mission by serving with humility, spreading the Gospel, and keeping your priesthood holy – Bishop Callist Rubaramira.
The ordained deacons include Dn. Sostine Mugisha from Muko Parish, Dn. Justus Turyatunga from Rubanda Parish, Dn. Deusdedit Niwagaba from Rushoroza Cathedral Parish, Dn. Adon Aturinde from Nyakishenyi Parish, Dn. Ivan Ndamira from Mutolere Parish, Dn. Peregrino Beinomugisha from Christ the King Parish Rukungiri, Dn. Syrus Aharizira from Makiro Parish and Dn. Cyril Arthur Ayebazibwe from Rwanyena Parish.
The newly ordained priests are Fr. Stephen Niwandinda from Ndama Parish, Fr. Onesmus Ahabwe from Muchahi Parish, Fr. Frank Atuzarirwe from Kitanga Parish and Fr. Mark Aheisibwe from Nyarushanje Parish.
Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba, the Member of Parliament for Ndorwa East and chairman of Kabale Diocesan Land Board congratulated the ordained and called on the clergy to champion human rights and environmental protection as part of their pastoral ministry. He urged the clerics to be “pastorally active” by not only offering spiritual guidance but also standing firm in defending people’s rights and safeguarding the environment.
Kabale District Woman MP, Hon. Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira, thanked parents of the newly ordained for supporting their a children and offering education encouraged Christians to focus on increasing household income to sustain families and support children’s education.
Other dignitaries who graced the function include Hon. Dr. Nicholas Kamara, (MP for Kabale Municipality), Hon. Catheline Ndamira (Woman MP for Kabale District) and her husband Eng. Didas Ndamira, Nelson Nshangabasheija (LC 5 chairperson for Kabale District), Emmanuel Byamugisha Sentaro (Mayor Kabale Municipality), Evelyn Kikafunda (president of Green Environment Program -GEP), Mr. Zepher Mugisha (Assistant RDC for Kanungu), Mr. Turyagyenda (Assistant RDC for Rubanda), Mr. Tumukwasiibwe Nicodemus Odo (Chairman Laity for Kabale Diocese), Mr. Peter Niwagaba (renowned businessman in Kabale Town) among others.
Fr. Onesmus Ahabwe, on behalf of the newly ordained priests and Deacons thanked God for calling them to ministerial priesthood. He also thanked Bishop Callist Rubaramira for ordaining them, and their parents plus well wishers for the material support, and prayers they gifted them with. He asked the faithful to pray for them so that they remain committed priests, doing the will of God without fear or favor.
The newly ordained priests were given one month holiday by Bishop Callist Rubaramira after which they will receive appointment letters to their duty stations.