Church leaders challenge couples to build strong, faith-filled families
The annual celebration, organised by the Archdiocese's Marriage and Family Department, was held under the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: Strengthening Marriage and the Family in Faith and Love.
The clerics cutting cake with some of the newly-wed couples and some leaders of the Catholic laity of Kampala Archdiocese. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
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Hundreds of Catholic couples from across Kampala Archdiocese gathered at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo, on May 16 to celebrate the International Day of the Family, receiving practical guidance on how to strengthen their marriages and family life.
The annual celebration, organised by the Archdiocese's Marriage and Family Department, was held under the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: Strengthening Marriage and the Family in Faith and Love.” The event was presided over by Msgr. Dr Lawrence Ssemusu, Chaplain of Makerere University Business School.
Msgr. Dr. Lawrence Ssemusu celebrating the thanksgiving mass for the commemoration of the International day of the family at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Namugongo on May 16. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
In a passionate homily during Mass, Msgr. Ssemusu challenged married couples to remain faithful to the vows they made on their wedding day, arguing that strong marriages are the cornerstone of strong families, communities, and nations.
He urged spouses to cultivate faithfulness, patience, forgiveness, and mutual respect in their relationships, emphasising that enduring love is built through everyday acts of kindness and appreciation.
“Renew your love through simple gestures,” Ssemusu advised. “Call each other ‘honey’ or ‘sweetheart’ as you did in the beginning. Spend time together. Listen to one another. Even if you are a cabinet minister, leave your titles at the office. At home, you are simply a husband or a wife. Humility and respect are what sustain marriage.”
He reminded couples that the Church looks to them as guardians of the institution of marriage and family life.
Msgr. Lawrence Ssemusu congratulates one of the couples that he wedded during the celebration of the International Day of the Family at Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo on Saturday, May 16, 2026. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
Later, Ssemusu delivered a message from Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, who commended Catholic families for their resilience despite numerous challenges, including poverty, unemployment, rising education costs, and the pressures of modern society.
Parents Asked to Show More Love
She expressed concern that some parents have become excessively harsh, making home life uncomfortable and even frightening for young people.
“Some of us as parents are too cruel,” Fernandez said. “There are children who no longer look forward to returning home during school holidays. They prefer to remain at school because the environment at home is too harsh. Let us treat our children with tenderness and give them the love and care they deserve.”
Economic Stability Key to Strong Families
The day's chief guest, Narcis Tumushabe—an agricultural economist, computer scientist, and business leader—highlighted the link between family stability and economic empowerment.
A sectional spectacle of the couples, including the newly-wed, during the celebration. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
He noted that many families struggle because of unemployment and inadequate household incomes, and called for practical interventions to improve economic well-being among Christians.
“Families cannot be stable without sustainable sources of income,” Tumushabe said. “We need strategies that can boost household earnings. Strong and financially secure families are better positioned to live out their faith and contribute positively to society.”
He pledged to support the Church's social development initiatives through technical assistance and capacity-building programs.
In a gesture of support, Tumushabe and his wife, Margaret, donated Shs2 million to the Marriage and Family Department of Kampala Archdiocese.
Celebration Draws Couples from Across the Archdiocese
The day-long event attracted couples from all 76 parishes of Kampala Archdiocese and was animated by Mitala-Maria Vicariate.
A sectional spectacle of the couples during mass. Centre is Narcis Tumushabe, who was the chief guest. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
One of the highlights of the celebration was the wedding of 10 couples, officiated by Msgr. Ssemusu, providing a joyful witness to the Church's commitment to strengthening marriage and family life.
The celebrations concluded with renewed calls for spouses to deepen their commitment to one another, nurture their children with love, and build homes rooted in faith, hope, and lasting unity.