By Davis Owomugisha.
Leaders of the Kigezi Kampala Catholics Residents Association (KKCRA) on Saturday 31st January 2026 gathered at Kyoto Hotel, Namugongo for a deeply reflective and strategically oriented retreat that explored the evolving role of lay leadership in the Catholic Church while crafting an actionable roadmap for community growth and spiritual engagement. Held under the theme “Leadership in the Church: Creating a Thriving Community,” the retreat drew lay leaders, and strategic thinkers united in vision and mission.
The gathering was anchored in the understanding that the Catholic Church today increasingly calls for a renewed and intentional engagement of the laity rooted not only in faith and pastoral involvement but also in social development, community organization, and leadership grounded in theological insight and canonical understanding.
Canon Law and the Laity: A Theological and Practical Imperative
The principal keynote address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Dr. Godfrey Cyiza, whose presentation “Reimagining the Role of the Laity in the Church” offered a comprehensive exploration of Canon Law and the role of the laity, a topic of both ecclesial importance and deep pastoral relevance.
Drawing from the Code of Canon Law (1983) which teaches that the laity, empowered by baptism and confirmation, are called to proclaim the Gospel and transform the world from within, Fr. Dr. Cyiza emphasized that lay Catholics are not peripheral actors, but essential participants in the life and mission of the Church. Canon 204 explicitly states that the laity have “an obligation and a right to share in the mission of the Church,” and this was a key point in his address, setting a firm foundation for discussion.
He highlighted how canon law:
- Recognizes the laity’s rights to participate in Church governance where appropriate (Canon 212),
- Encourages collaboration with clergy in pastoral councils and church activities,
- Supports lay involvement in social, educational, and charitable works that reflect Gospel values.
Fr. Dr. Cyiza also drew from the Vatican II Documents especially Lumen Gentium and Apostolicam Actuositatem which reaffirm the identity of the laity as “full members of the People of God,” called to witness Christ not only within church walls but in families, workplaces, and society at large.
Participants appreciated his evidence-based approach, which wove theological teaching with pastoral reality, helping lay leaders see themselves as both spiritual agents and catalysts of community transformation.
Learning from Experience: Kabale Diocese Context and Insights
The session was further enriched by the Head of Laity for Kabale Diocese, Mr. Tumukwasiibwe Nicodemus Odo, whose address “Learning from the Past and Present: Experiences of the Laity in Kabale Diocese” provided a real-world lens on the successes and challenges faced by lay leaders in one of Uganda’s most vibrant dioceses.
Drawing on decades of lay involvement in parish councils, development initiatives, education programs, and social outreach, he stressed that:
Lay leadership must be rooted in community context and responsive to real needs,
Effective lay engagement has historically boosted participation in catechesis, family ministry, youth formation, and social services,
Past experiences both achievements and setbacks offer critical lessons in leadership, accountability, and strategic planning.
His call to action challenged KKCRA leaders not only to learn from Kampala’s urban experience but to bring back innovations and best practices to the Diocese of Kabale, driving development in education, health, livelihood programs, and youth empowerment.
Building the 2026 Action Plan
A defining component of the retreat was the strategic planning sessions. Participants worked in groups to craft the 2026 KKCRA action plan, identifying priority areas that balance spiritual growth with community impact. These included:
a) Leadership capacity building and mentorship programs.
b) Increased lay participation in parish and diocesan structures.
c) Youth engagement and empowerment initiatives,
d) Social outreach programs addressing health, education, and livelihoods.
e) Strengthening communication and networking across parishes back home.
Following the group work, KKCRA Chairman Mr. Naris Rwangoga presented the Association’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2026, a document informed by best practices in organizational development, participatory planning, and Catholic social teaching. His presentation guided members through key objectives, performance indicators, and timelines anchoring the association’s work in shared purpose and measurable outcomes.
The retreat concluded with Holy Mass at the chapel, celebrating the Eucharist as the source and summit of Catholic life.