Archbishop Ssemogerere calls Ugandan youth to moral courage, purposeful living

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The calm atmosphere that typically defines Gayaza Catholic Parish in Wakiso district gave way to youthful energy on November 22, 2025, as hundreds of young people from across the Kampala Archdiocese gathered at the parish grounds to celebrate International Youth Day.

The celebration was led by Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, who in his homily encouraged the youth in his archdiocese and across Uganda to channel their energy into service to God, their communities, the nation and the world.

Catholic youth chaplains and youth leaders look on as Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (wearing a skull-cap) performs the symbolic handing over of the crucifix to Fr. George William Ssentamu (second-right) and other youth leaders from Entebbe Vicariate, who are the organisers-designate of next year's Kampala Archdiocese international Youth Day celebration. This was during the celebration of the Kampala Archdiocese International Youth Day at Gayaaza Catholic parish on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

The students from God's Way High School Maganjo perform a liturgical dance during mass.

He reminded them to avoid being manipulated and to uphold discipline, responsibility and hard work, adding that youthfulness should be associated with holiness and positive contribution to society. His message also encouraged young people to build a personal relationship with Jesus and to reject attitudes and behaviours that undermine their dignity.

Archbishop Ssemogerere later advised the youth not to waste their potential. He urged them to emulate the Karimojong youth, describing them as strong and respectful to elders.

Exercise your voting rights

In his later remarks, Archbishop Ssemogerere encouraged the youth to exercise their national and God-given right to choose leaders freely, without coercion. He also appealed to election organisers to ensure that the rights of young people and all Ugandans to vote for their preferred leaders are fully respected, without undue influence.

He criticised some young people who attend political rallies without being registered voters and urged them to register early. For those aspiring to stand for political office, he advised them to ensure they meet all required qualifications.

The Archbishop also responded to critics who claim that Catholic religious leaders no longer speak out on the socio-political challenges in the country.

He pointed to the pastoral letter recently issued by the Catholic Bishops, urging all Ugandans of voting age to participate in the forthcoming elections and to vote for leaders committed to unity, peace and national development.

During the celebration, entrepreneur Dennis Ngabirano gave the youth practical business guidance, urging them to be responsible, focused, organised, creative and God-fearing.

A spectacle of the dramatised procession of the Holy Book during mass.

photo moment with some of the youth leaders in Kampala Archdiocese who graced the function.

The mass was animated by the choir from Our Lady of Good Counsel SSS Gayaza. Performances from students of God’s Way High School Maganjo, St Joseph’s PS Busukuma, St Dennis Ssebuggwawo SS Ggaba and the Blue Army from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish Nakulabye added colour to the event.

The national director of the Youth Apostolate at Uganda Catholic Secretariat Nsambya, Fr Benedict Mugerwa, attended the function together with the Kampala Archdiocese youth coordinator, Fr Dr Joseph Mary Ssebunnya, the Episcopal Vicar of Wakiso Vicariate, Fr Jude Makanga, and the head of the laity of Kampala Archdiocese, Lady Emily Kitto Mwaka, along with her deputy, Billy Nsubuga.

As the climax to the celebration, Archbishop Ssemogerere handed a crucifix to the youth leaders of Entebbe Vicariate, who will organise next year’s celebrations.

The event was held under the theme: Youth as Pilgrims of Hope, For in Hope We Were Saved (Romans 8:24).