Catholic priests call for patience, hope among youth

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Two Catholic priests, Rev Fr Simon Peter Buyondo and Rev Fr Remigius Ssekisambu, have observed that youthful life is the most challenging stage in human growth and called for patience, hope and the promotion of peace among Uganda’s young people.

They noted that youth without hope find it difficult to make good decisions and choices, urging God’s intervention to restore lost hope among them.

“Hope does not disappoint, and patience pays. When you hold on to hope, good things await you, and a person with hope works towards achieving good things,” Kisubi Seminary’s Rev Fr Simon Peter Buyondo said.

He made the remarks during his sermon at the commemoration of Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral Youth Parish Day on August 16, 2025.

Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba speaking during the commemoration of Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral Youth Parish Day. (Courtesy photo)

The celebrations, anchored on this year’s theme of hope, were graced by Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba as chief guest.

Youth were reminded to have faith in Jesus Christ, who surrendered his life for the sins of man. “Hope is in Jesus Christ-if you want to have hope, believe and trust in Him,” Buyondo said.

He also called for unity, rallying the youth to build brotherhood and sisterhood. He said this can only be achieved through collective participation in mass gatherings such as the youth day.

Buyondo added that many young people avoid such celebrations, claiming to be busy, without realising that these events provide an opportunity to know one another. He urged them to engage in different church activities, including receiving holy sacraments, particularly Holy Matrimony.

He further cautioned the youth against irresponsible relationships. “Don’t date more than one person at ago. Choose your spouse and present them to God through holy Matrimony, that’s what the Church is advocating for,” he said.

Rev Fr Remigius Ssekisambu, who represented the parish priest in his absence, encouraged young people to embrace church activities, including participating in celebrations, stressing that these gatherings offer avenues for spiritual and personal growth.

“When you have gatherings such as this, pick out something important that will transform your life. We discuss developmental issues, let such engagements be an eye opener.”

“Don’t settle for less. Avoid engaging in activities that bar you from having hope. Always aspire for greatness,” he urged the youth.

Ssekisambu also warned that youth who are not groomed in God often become difficult to handle and may engage in harmful behaviour such as drug abuse.

“As youth growing up in faith, be exemplary and do activities that inspire more youth to join you,” he said.

The youth chaplain, Rev Fr Richard Kalyango, thanked Nabakooba for supporting young people in all their activities. He said the parish is committed to youth development and revealed plans to start an events organising project, including hiring tents and chairs and providing decorations.

Joseph Nambaale, the youth leader in Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, appreciated the minister for her consistent support to the Church, particularly through guidance and financial assistance.

Nabakooba added her voice to the clerics, urging youth to place their hope in God, saying a Godly person is like a rock and cannot easily be diverted from the truth.

Reflecting on her own life, she said, “I attribute all what I have achieved to having faith. Put God first in whatever you do, and He will reward you by doing greatness in your life.”

She further noted that personal growth can only be achieved if youth can sustain themselves, urging them to embrace government programmes such as Youth Livelihood, Emyooga and the Parish Development Model to start projects that can improve their lives.

“Work hard and strive for development. Avoid politics of interest but rather concentrate on how to move from one level to another,” she said, before supporting the youth project with 100 chairs.