Fr Mapeera’s tree makes Kisubi a religious tourism site

__________________

Kisubi Hill on Entebbe Road, Wakiso district, hosts many Catholic institutions of religious significance, including Our Lady Queen of Virgins Church (built by the White Fathers (Missionaries of Africa) in 1895-1896 as an experimental project for Lubaga Cathedral), the Mother House of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix (also called Gogonya Sisters, started by Archbishop Henri Streicher in 1927),  St. Joseph’s Technical Institute (the oldest technical school in Uganda established by the White Fathers in 1911), the Grand Minor Seminary of Christ the King (established by the White Fathers in 1951), the Mother House of the Brothers of Christian Instruction (of the Province of St. Treza of the Child Jesus) and a number of their affiliate educational institutions which include St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK), St. Savio Junior School and the University of Kisubi (UNIK), just to mention a few.

A spectacle of the 147-year-old Mapeera Tree at Kisubi Mapeera SS Grounds. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

But probably most importantly, Kisubi is the place where the pioneer Catholic missionaries, Fr. Simeon Lourdel Mapeera and Bro. Delmas Amans spent their first night on February 19, 1879, subsequent to their arrival in Uganda.

According to Fr. Richard Nnyombi, a seasoned clerical researcher, author and senior member of the Society of White Fathers, Fr. Mapeera and Bro. Amans were walking to the palace of King Muteesa I of Buganda at Lubaga, to ask him for permission to preach the Gospel in his kingdom, when they made a stopover and spent a night at Kisubi, where Kisubi Mapeera Secondary School is currently located (February 19, 1879).

Rev. Fr. Richard Nnyombi (White Father) delivers his remarks during the pilgrimage of the commemoration of the 147th anniversary of the arrival/camping of the pioneer missionaries, Fr. Simeon Lourdel Mapeera and Bro Delmas Amans at Kisubi Mapeera grounds on February 19, 2026. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

As they removed their tent to proceed to Lubaga (on April 20, 1879), they forgot behind one of the pegs they had come with from Tanzania. The peg, made of wood, later took root and grew into a huge tree, which the locals named Mapeera tree.

Every year, on February 19, the Catholic faithful make a pilgrimage of faith to Kisubi Mapeera SS to commemorate the pioneer missionaries’ arrival and night-long dwelling at Kisubi.

Catholic priests and mass servers share a photo-moment after the thanksgiving mass of the 147th anniversary of the arrival/camping of the pioneeer Catholic Missionaries, Fr. Simeon Lourdel Mapeera and Bro. Delmas Amans at Kisubi Mapeera SS Grounds on February 19, 2026. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Even this year, on February 19, many Christians, including school children, converged at Kisubi Mapeera SS to commemorate that significant event. The mass was presided over by Fr. Richard Nnyombi (White Father), together with Fr.  Benedict Kaweesa (the headteacher of Mapeera SS), and a number of other priests.

Fr. John Mary Kibirige distributing Holy Communion during mass. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

In his homily, Fr. Nyombi put it to the Christians to emulate the pioneer missionaries' deep faith, courage, love and commitment to the Gospel.

He asked them not to just pay lip service to the faith, but to express it in their words and actions.

Nnyombi later asked the Christians to pray for the beatification and canonisation of Fr Mapeera and Bro. Amans.

The cultural ensemble of Kisubi Mapeera SS entertaining the pilgrims during the function. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

He said Rome still required a proven miracle before concluding the canonical process of the two missionaries. He thus encouraged them to pray through their intercession and also report to their parish-priest every miracle that they get.

Needless to say, the pilgrimage to Mapeera Tree at Kisubi Mapeera SS is becoming more popular, year by year, raising hope that Kisubi will soon become a major religious tourism site.