Hundreds congregate to celebrate Kisubi Seminary's 75th anniversary
"I, therefore, invite you to reflect on this historic milestone of Kisubi Seminary through three spiritual pillars: Remember, Rejoice, and Renew.”
Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, in procession before the Mass. (Credit: Juliet Anna Lukwago)
WAKISO - Hundreds of priests and Christian faithful gathered Saturday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Kisubi Minor Seminary in Wakiso district in a ceremony filled with gratitude and reflection.
The seminary band animated the procession, receiving a warm and festive welcome from bishops, priests, laypeople (who were seminarians before), parents, and well-wishers.
The joyful atmosphere was heightened by the vibrant band performances and a procession of seminarians, beautifully expressing the deep-rooted faith and heritage of the local community.
During the colourful event at the seminary premises off Entebbe road, the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, paid glowing tribute to the founder, Archbishop Joseph Louis Cabana of the White Fathers, for his vision and courage.
Ssemogerere said 75 years of existence or a seminary is a profound testament to God’s enduring fidelity.
“When Kampala Archdiocese was celebrating its golden Jubilee, the late Archbishop Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga unveiled a three-worded theme, which I also find appropriate as we celebrate Kisubi Seminary’s Platinum Jubilee: Remember, Rejoice, Renew," he said.
"I, therefore, invite you to reflect on this historic milestone of Kisubi Seminary through three spiritual pillars: Remember, Rejoice, and Renew.”
The prelate explained that remembering is not merely about looking back with nostalgia, but instead looking back with gratitude.
“Let us look back 75 years ago to the humble beginnings of this seminary, founded under the visionary leadership of Archbishop Joseph Cabana.
Priests in procession before the Mass on Saturday June 27, 2026. (Credit: Juliet Anna Lukwago)
Ssemogerere said Kisubi Seminary has been a cradle of leadership today, the reason for believers to lift their voices to God in praise and thanksgiving.
“Seventy-five years of uninterrupted formation is not just a human achievement, but it is a miracle of grace, and today we rejoice because the Lord has been good to us.”
The archbishop said the seminary has traditionally been and remains a beacon of quality education and discipline in Uganda.
Before the Mass, the Archbishop blessed the platinum jubilee monument in front of the main gate.
Emeritus Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Kasujja
Emeritus Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, who studied at Kisubi Minor Seminary, was reminiscent.
“I joined Kisubi Seminary as a small boy at the age of 13, and I enjoyed this beautiful campus, learning ambience, social life, recreation, sports, especially swimming, table tennis and volleyball, as well as manual work clearing up the dense natural forest and the rocks between 1960 and 1965," he said.
In his first year, Kasujja joined the seminary band.
“I remember on the eve of Uganda’s Independence Day, 1962, the last British Governor in Uganda invited the band to State House to play for the last time the British National Anthem 'God save the Queen' at the time.
Kasujja urged all Old Boys to carry similar and beautiful sentiments about the facility. "Let us continue praying for our institution.”
The Seminary was founded by the White Fathers Missionaries in 1951, and trained over 300 priests, including five bishops serving the rapidly growing Catholic Church in Uganda and beyond.
The seminary started from Rubaga, then Mubende and later in 1952 shifted to Kisubi, where it is located today.