The Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, has urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and to recognize the presence of Jesus Christ even in moments of hardship and confusion.
He said this while delivering his homily on Sunday during Mass at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral at the conclusion of a five-day pastoral visit of the Catholic Bishops in the Province of Mbarara organized under the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province Association (MEPA).
The Ecclesiastical Province of Mbarara is composed of five Dioceses: Mbarara Archdiocese with His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, Kasese Diocese with Bishop Francis Aquirinus Kibira, Fort Portal Diocese with Bishop Robert Muhiirwa, Hoima Diocese with Bishop Vincent Kirabo and Kabale Diocese with Bishop Callist Rubaramira whose visit to Kabale Diocese stated on Wednesday, April 15 to Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Archbishop Bainomugisha reflected on the journey of the disciples after the resurrection. Drawing from Luke 24:13–35, the Archbishop noted that, like the disciples on the way to Emmaus, many believers today experience sadness and uncertainty. He emphasized, however, that Jesus never abandons His people but walks with them through every challenge, even when they do not immediately recognize His presence.
He further underscored the importance of fellowship and spiritual communion, pointing to the moment when Jesus revealed himself to the disciples at the breaking of bread.
The Archbishop used the opportunity to reflect on the history of Catholicism in Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province, noting that the regions were once under shared leadership. He praised early missionaries for their contribution to socio-economic development through the establishment of schools, hospitals, and other services.
He also commended the continued cooperation between the Church and the State in promoting development. He urged his fellow bishops to intensify their efforts in nurturing young dioceses and building strong foundations for future generations.
He further encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in faith, inviting Jesus Emmanuel to accompany them in all circumstances, and reminded them that the annual MEPA visit is meant to strengthen unity and solidarity among bishops and the faithful as they journey together in hope toward heaven.
Rt. Rev. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese commended Bishop Callist Rubaramira and the people of Kabale for their warm hospitality during the five-day pastoral visit of the Bishops of Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province to Kabale.
He called on parents to cooperate in paying additional fees required in government schools under UPE and USE programs, if they are to ensure improved and quality education for their children. He explained that the extra fees help support teachers who are not on the government payroll but continue to sacrifice for the benefit of learners.
He further urged parents to change their mindset regarding education by embracing practical skills for their children. He challenged the belief that vocational careers such as hairdressing, plumbing, catering, carpentry and mechanics are meant for academically weak students, noting that such skills are highly marketable in today’s competitive job environment.
The Bishop of Kasese Diocese, Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira, used the occasion to announce that Kasese Diocese will lead this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3 at Namugongo. He called for both moral and financial support to ensure the success of the event.
He also advised families to establish income-generating activities to improve their livelihoods and support household development. He extended this call to parishes, encouraging priests to initiate sustainable projects to strengthen church finances.
Bishop Kibira condemned laziness as a hindrance to progress and challenged Christians to embrace hard work and self-reliance. He noted that despite Africa’s vast land resources, poverty persists due to underutilization, urging communities to make productive use of available resources.
He concluded by encouraging the Faithful to deepen their relationship with God, stressing the importance of prayer in family life noting that “a family that prays together stays together.”
On his part, Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo, Bishop of Hoima Diocese also commended the unity among the bishops and the hospitality of Kabale Diocese. He said we should be grateful to God for the growth of faith in our region and urged Christians to pray without ceasing, actively participate in the worthy reception of sacraments, remain united, and work hard to make their families better. He specifically cautioned the youth against wasting time on unproductive activities such as excessive pool playing but rather direct their energies to productivity.
In his remarks, Bishop Callist Rubaramira, the host, appreciated the MEPA bishops for what he described as a fruitful visit focused on planning for various aspects of Church life, strengthening evangelization, and improving service delivery through coordinated efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the Laity, the Kabale Diocesan Chairperson, Nicodemus Odo Tumukwasiibwe, praised the unity demonstrated by the bishops. He noted that a similar spirit is witnessed annually, every November when bishops from Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province meet Christians from the Province residing in Kampala for a pilgrimage to Namugongo. He pledged continued support from the faithful in advancing the mission of the Church.
Speaking on behalf of the political wing, Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba, MP for Ndorwa East and shadow Attorney General thanked the Bishop of Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province for their solidarity and collegiality. As the chairperson of Land Board for Kabale Diocese, Hon. Niwagaba urged Bishops and all the faithful to see that their land is surveyed for obtainment of land titles in order to avoid land conflicts and encroachment of church land.