Busega Catholic Parish makes 50 years, launches commercial housing project
While delivering his homily during mass, archbishop Ssemogerere paid tribute to the Christians and successive parish-priests and curates of Busega for their deep and zealous involvement in the pastoral life and activities of the parish.
Dignitaries including archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (wearing a mitre), Fr. Richard Kakoma (fifth-left) and Hajjat Faridah Nakabugo (left) look on as city businessman Paulo Ssembatya Mulundannume unveils the archtectural design of the proposed commerciaal housing project of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic parish Busega. This was during the celebraton of the parish's 50th anniversary at the church at Busega, in Rubaga Division on Sunday, July 12, 2026. (Photos by Mathias Mazinga)
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One morning, as the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere, took an evening walk, two energetic young men on a bodaboda trailed him. They intended to snatch his mobile phone.
The archbishop, who says he was in casual wear at the time, was only saved by another bodaboda rider, who went ahead of them and shouted to him: “Ggwe, yogerera sayidi eri essimu yo bajja kugyitwala” (Luganda for: Mind your phone so it’s not snatched by thieves).”
Archbishopl Paul Ssemogerere (holding a crosier), Fr. Richard Kakoma (right) and the Deacon on duty (left) during the procession. 
Ssemogerere narrated the story during the grand celebration of the 50th anniversary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Parish, Busega on July 12, 2026.
The function was held at the church at Busega, in Rubaga Division.
Ssemogerere praised the Good Samaritan bodaboda man who warned him of the impending theft and many others like him.
The prelate of Rubaga provoked thunderous laughter as he narrated to the congregation how the other two mischievous bodaboda young men rained insults at their colleague who had warned him of their shenanigans. He said they blasted the hero bodaboda rider for failing their mission, saying he had acted as if he was the one going to feed their families.
Ssemogerere cautioned Christians against being superficial believers, who make generous contributions to the church, attend church on Sundays and sing the Christian hymns; but fail to assimilate the message of the Gospel in their hearts and daily life.
“Today, as we celebrate 50 years of this parish and all its achievements, we should ask God to give us the grace to live our faith with utmost sincerity. It is not enough to come here and celebrate, eat, sing and dance; yet after the function, we go back home and live as pagans," he said.
Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (wearing a mitre) cuts cake with the couples that he wed during the grand celebration of the 50th anniversary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic parish Busega at the church in Rubaga Division on Sunday, July 12, 2026. 
Ssemogerere asked parents to exercise responsible parenthood by teaching their children the values of the faith. He lamented the culture of laziness among many youthful Ugandans, to which he attributed the rampant thefts and thuggery.
Ssemogerere presided over the function, together with the reigning parish-priest, Fr. Richard Kakoma and several other priests - many of whom had served at the parish during the five decades of its existence.
While delivering his homily during mass, archbishop Ssemogerere paid tribute to the Christians and successive parish-priests and curates of Busega for their deep and zealous involvement in the pastoral life and activities of the parish.
He added: “We thank you for the goodwill and generosity. Please continue. Don’t get tired. As you are aware, the era of missionaries who used to get money for us from abroad is long gone. We have to be self-sustaining. We are happy that you have understood this challenge and you are now doing what you are supposed to do for the Church.”
During the same function, archbishop Ssemogeree confirmed 289 children into the Catholic faith. He also wedded 5 couples.
Parishioners were urged to live their faith with utmost commitment and conviction.
Self-Sustenance Project Launched
As one of the monumental activities of the celebration, the special guest, Paulo Ssembatya Mulundannume, and the head of the laity of Busega parish, Engineer William Kalule, unveiled the architectural designs of the proposed commercial housing project (the golden jubilee monument) - which will generate income for the parish and make it self-reliant.
The head of the laity of Kampala archdiocese, Emily Kitto Mwaka (centre) with other Christians during mass.
The unveiling of the project attracted financial contributions from high-profile guests, who included the Lord Mayor, Engineer Ronald Balimwezo; his deputy, Hajjat Faridah Nakabugo; the area MP, Hon. Eugenia Nassolo; the Mayor of Rubaga , Zacchy Mberaze; and several members of the business community.
The celebration ran under the theme: For me and my household, we shall serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).