The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, has officially opened St Cyprian Catholic Parish Kawanda in Wakiso district.

The inauguration of St Cyprian Catholic Parish, Kawanda, which was on Saturday (October 15, 2022) brings to 72 the number of ecclesiastical parishes in the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Kampala.

While preaching in a Holy Mass during the inauguration, Ssemogerere congratulated the parishioners of Kawanda for their zeal and efforts towards achieving a fully-fledged parish.

Some of the children Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere confirmed at St Cyprian Catholic Parish Kawanda in Wakiso district on Saturday October 15, 2022, after opening the parish curved from Jinja-Kalooli

He said that late Archbishop Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga accepted the Christians' proposal of fully creating Kawanda parish carved from Jinja-Kalooli.

"Since he approved what you did, proves your love and devotion to your parish," he said.

“I am here to fulfil what late Archbishop Lwanga started. It is now on record because God has granted you the gift of the parish you have always desired,” Ssemogerere added.

Priests pose for a photograph with Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere during Our Lady Queen of Virgins Catholic Parish Kisubi in Wakiso district 125 years celebrations on Sunday August 21, 2022

First parish priest installed

On the same occasion, the prelate installed Fr Robert Ggaliwango as the first parish priest of Kawanda, assisted by the newly priest Fr Matthias Kirumira (ordained this year).

Before the mass, Ssemogerere blessed the Church and also planted a memorial tree in the church's compound.

During the mass, the   Archbishop also confirmed 82 children into the Catholic Church. He was assisted by his Chancellor, Fr Dr Pius Male Ssentumbwe, pastoral co-ordinator, Fr Dr Joseph Sserugga, Jinja-Kalooli Parish Priest Fr Sylvester Buwembo, Wakiso episcopal vicar Msgr John Baptist Ssebayigga and Fr Jude Makanga among others.

The function was attended by several dignities including Nansana Municipality Member of Parliament Hannington Musoke Wakayima Nsereko, councillors, politicians from Mpigi district, led by a commercial officer of Mpigi district Ronald Kazibwe, who came which 50 bags of cement, Mpigi Woman MP, Teddy Nambooze, business people and others.

Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere looking at a portrait of his clan (olugave) donated to him as a gift from one of the sub-parishes of Kawanda

Buwembo said Kawanda is the third parish to be carved out of Jinja-Kalooli. The first was Bwaise and  Matugga second.

Thousands of Christians from different Catholic churches in the districts of Wakiso and Kampala attended the function.

Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Police Spokesperson, Kampala Metropolitan attends Mass led by Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere at St Cyprian Catholic Parish Kawanda in Wakiso district on Saturday