Jinja Bishop lauds Camillian Missionaries' impact on community, healthcare

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The Bishop of Jinja Diocese, Charles Martin Wamika, has commended the role played by the Camillian Missionaries in transforming communities in Uganda.

He noted that their selflessness and commitment to serving others, particularly the sick, the poor, and the marginalised, was a testament to their love for God and humanity. He added that their presence and ministry had significantly blended with the work of the Church in the Busoga sub-region.

“Your work has improved the lives of many, and your presence and ministry have enriched our communities. May God continue to bless and guide you in your ministry,” he said in a message to the Camillians.

This was during the Silver Jubilee anniversary of the Camillian Missionaries in Uganda, held at St. Camillus Seminary in Kimaka, Jinja city, on Saturday, July 26.

“Your presence in Uganda has been a blessing, reflecting the charisma of St. Camillus de Lellis, your model and founder, who dedicated his life to serving the sick and the poor. Your ministry has brought hope, healing and comfort to many,” the bishop said in a message to the congregation.

He highlighted some of the Camillians’ contributions, such as their formation house and health unit in Kimaka, which he said have greatly complemented the health sector in Uganda, particularly in the Diocese of Jinja.

Fr. John Bosco Etyang, the Dean of Jinja Deanery, who represented the bishop, revealed that the diocese plans to sponsor the training of at least one priest in medicine to oversee medical facilities under the diocese.

Fr Peter Owakubariho highlighted some of the activities being undertaken as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations, including the construction of houses for the poor in Fort Portal, Masaka, Jinja and Mayuge districts.

Other initiatives include medical camps and the establishment of an education fund for orphans and needy children, who will be supported to access education. Additionally, hundreds of youths have been equipped with vocational skills.

The mission superior, Rev Fr Babychan Pazhanilath, commended the mission’s pioneers, Fr Tom O’Conner and Fr Tom Smith, for helping to establish the mission in 2000.

He said the Camillian mission in Uganda currently has three communities serving in four dioceses.

“The mission has grown to having 10 perpetual professed members (7 priests and deacons), 11 temporary professed theology students, 17 philosophy students and 7 aspirants (orientation students),” he said.

Fr Anthony Kunnel, the provincial of the St Camillus Province of India, urged the Camillians to emulate St Camillus both in word and deed by caring for the sick and suffering. Camillians in Uganda operate under the St Camillus Province of India.

Dr Stevia Turyahebwa, the commissioner for health services at the Ministry of Health, commended the Camillian Missionaries for complementing government efforts to improve health service delivery.

She, however, emphasised the need to focus on disease prevention, noting that it is less costly than treatment.