Thirty four priests awarded degrees

By Juliet Lukwago

THIRTY four seminarians and priests were awarded diplomas and degrees in various disciplines at St Mbaaga Major Seminary, Ggaba.

Presiding over the 32nd ceremony, the Kampala Archbishop Emeritus, Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, advised the fresh graduates to use their knowledge for the country's development.

“The knowledge you have got is now the tool which you can use to confront today’s challenges and lead you to Jesus Christ. Put on a smile when serving people,” Wamala said.

The Cardinal implored parents to continue sending their children to religious institutions to serve God when they grow up.

Rev Fr. Joseph Sserunjogi, the rector of the seminary, commended the parents of the graduates for the work they did in ensuring their children obtain knowledge.

A cross-section of the priests who were awarded degrees. Photo by Juliet Lukwago

The dean of studies, Fr Dr Ambrose Bwangatto, said the graduands fields of study included diplomas in Philosophy (26), Theology (8) and Religious studies. Those awarded Theology degree from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome were Fr James Gachomo from Kitale, Kenya, Frank Kasule of Luweero, Fr Mbaaga Tuzinde Kasule, Fr Raphael Tebukoza, Ronald Ssekanjako all from Masaka Diocese, Fr Thaddeus Tumusiime of Fort-Portal, Fr Godfrey Kyeyune, Fr Aloysius Ssempagala both from Kampala Archdiocese.

Bwangatto said their programmes instill rich intellectual patrimony in the students. 

“The courses they do in philosophy are meant to enable them be at par with any category of people in the wider society. In theology they answer all questions which render the human heart restless and yearning for fulfiment. With the knowledge of the scriptures and the teaching of the church, they are able to provide the best answers suited to the craving heart of man,” Bwangatto said.

He added that the seminary is not a center of mediocrity but a hub of learning, while in the seminary; seminarians cultivate an intimate relationship with Christ so as to be true imitators of the Lord Jesus.

“We as staff assume that when students learn taking care of God’s people of educating them in the faith and of guiding, inspiring and sustaining the Christian community they will be able to become a source of consolation to the people of God,” he added.

“St Mbaaga is a legacy of Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga, which started as little project 39 years ago now, is the center of formation drawing candidates from countries in Africa and Europe.”

The seminary has developed over the years, “our affiliation program with the Urbanian University in 1995, but originally our theology candidates were registered through our sister seminary Ggaba National Seminary, while candidates for philosophy were at the registered through Alokolum National Seminary in Gulu, and later in Jinja Philosophical center.”  Bwangatto explained.

He added that while they obtained their direct Theological affiliation in 2002, it was in July 2014 that they got direct philosophical affiliation which was their first time to have both the faculties of Philosophy and Theology directly affiliated to the Pontifical Urbarn University in Rome.