Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese has officially inaugurated St. Barnabas Karujanga Parish in Rushoroza Deanery and opened it as the 43rd Parish in Kabale Diocese. Curved out of Our Lady of Assumption Rwanyena Parish, the newly elected St. Barnabas Parish Karujanga is comprised of 12 sub stations (hiikas) which include Karujanga, Kyonyo, Kisaasa, Kabimbiri, Katuna, Mukarangye, Rushaki, Mushenyi, Nyakeina, Kibuga, Shooko, and Kyasano hiikas with 138 Small Christian Communities (obutaagi).
The inauguration ceremony and Solemn Mass led by Bishop Rubaramira were held in the playground of St. Barnabas Secondary School on Sunday, September 14, 2025 on the Feast of the exaltation of the Cross. In his decree, Bishop Rubaramira stated: “I, Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale, after consulting diocesan advisors, the leadership of Our Lady of Assumption Parish, and evaluating the pastoral needs of the faithful, hereby decree that Karujanga Centre becomes St. Barnabas Parish Karujanga.” He appointed Rev. Fr. Boniface Barisigara as the pioneer Parish Priest of the newly erected parish, effective immediately.
In his homily, Bishop Rubaramira reminded Christians the Universal Church celebrated the Feast of Exaptation of the Cross on September 14, and that the Cross of Jesus Christ remains the source of life and salvation. He urged the faithful to follow Christ’s footsteps, respect the Cross, and embrace its central role in their spiritual lives. The Bishop further called on Christians to respond to God’s love, revealed through His Son, by loving Him wholeheartedly for the sake of their salvation. He also urged the parishioners to deepen their sacramental life, have time for Eucharistic adoration, and take actively participate in Lay Apostolate Movements to foster their spiritual growth in the new parish.
Highlighting the parish’s location near Rwanda, Bishop Rubaramira called for leveraging this for cross‑border trade, economic empowerment, and self‑sustainability, while he emphasized the importance of education in parish growth and evangelization. Further, he exhorted the community to emulate Christ, the Good Shepherd, and to practice exemplary leadership at all levels.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Deusdedit Musinguzi, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Assumption Rwanyena Parish thanked Bishop Callist Rubaramira for having accepted to grant Karujanga a Parish status in order to cater for the the pastoral and spiritual needs of the Christians in Karujanga who have been trekking long distances to and from Rwanyena.
My sincere appreciation to you our dear Bishop for your able, instructive and exemplary leadership and for your deep concern to bring pastoral services closer to the faithful up to the kataagi Thank you particularly for having given us St. Barnabas Parish Karujanga. The trek of more than 16km from Karujanga to Rwanyena (often on foot) has been too long for a number of faithful. Your parental and pastoral considerations in this regard are greatly appreciated – Fr. Dr. Deusdedit Musinguzi.
He congratulated the parishioners of Karujanga upon getting a new parish and urged them to continue working together and fulfill the four pillars that were introduced by the forefathers (Missionaries of Africa) namely: Faith, Education, Health and Economic Development.
In his remarks, the pioneer parish priest of St. Barnabas Karujanga Parish, Rev. Fr. Boniface Barisigara thanked Bishop Callist Rubaramira for entrusting him with the new parish and promised to fulfill his duties as expected. He also congratulated Rwanyena Parish which gave birth to Karujanga Parish and was still in the moods of Diamond jubilee celebrations and noted that giving birth to Karujanga was the climax of the celebrations. He further congratulated the parishioners of Karujanga upon attaining parish status and challenged them to continue the commitment they started with when they were seeking parish.
You parishioners of St. Barnabas Parish Karujanga, this is your historical day, the Lord has heard your prayers. “You are now a newborn parish. But remember, a baby that does not grow spiritually, mentally, and physically is considered disabled. Let us continue working together for the good of our faith and development of this new parish – Fr. Barisigara Boniface.
The Local leaders also praised the development in Karujanga whereby the Kabale District LC5 Chairman Nelson Nshangabasheija, a native of Karujanga Parish commended Bishop Rubaramira’s vision and pledged full support to Fr. Barisigara Boniface and Karujanga parish in general. The Ndorwa West County NRM flag bearer Eliab Naturinda Mporera applauded the parishioners for their vision in propagating Christianity and called for continued collaboration in order to bring about social and economic transformation.
Kabale District Woman MP, Hon. Catheline Atwakiire Ndamira described the new parish as testament to God’s faithfulness and a blessing for spiritual growth and economic independence, encouraging community unity in prayer, love, and development. She called on parishioners of St. Barnabas Parish Karujanga to work closely with their religious leaders in the fight against household poverty. She also encouraged families to engage in income-generating projects that can uplift their livelihoods.
She further encouraged the faithful to embrace government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP), noting that such initiatives are designed to boost household incomes and fight poverty at the grassroots. She also highlighted the importance of education in transforming the community, urging both Christians and parish leaders to prioritize the education of children as a key pillar of development.
The Minister of Finance (General Duties) Henry Musasizi who was represented by Hon. Catheline Ndamira also congratulated the parishioners, saying, “Your faith and unity have borne fruit, and this new chapter is truly worth celebrating. May God continue to guide and bless your journey.” He emphasized that unity and cooperation within the parish will foster development.
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The Presbytery is very beautiful. Thanks to the generous hands that led it to this far
People of karujanga, congratulations upon taking such a mighty step. You will utilise it for your benefit and benefit of others – to increase faith in Christ above all.