Kalumba discourages religious dualism as Catholic Church

On Wednesday (June 25, 2025), Catholics from various corners of the country converged at St John the Baptist Mapeera-Nabulagala Catholic parish church, in Rubaga Division, to commemorate the 146th anniversary of the first Catholic mass in Uganda.

Records of the Catholic Church indicate that the pioneer missionaries, Fr Simeon Lourdel Mapeera and Bro. Delmas Amans of the Catholic Missionary Society of the White Fathers (Missionaries of Africa), arrived in Uganda on February 17, 1879.

However, they could not celebrate mass because they did not have the essential requirements. They had left their portable altar, the eucharistic bread and wine with their colleagues, who had remained in Tanzania.

Msgr Gerald Kalumba delivers his homily during the thanksgiving mass for the 146th anniversary of the first Catholic Mass in Uganda at St John the Baptist Catholic parish church, Mapeera-Nabulagala, in Rubaga Division on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (All Photos by Mathias Mazinga)

The priests, catechists and mass servers share a photo moment after mass. (All Photos by Mathias Mazinga)

The confreres, including Msgr Leon Livinhac, Fr Leon Barbot and Fr Ludovic Girault arrived 4 months later.

The first mass was consequently celebrated at Nabulagala-Lubya, in Rubaga Division, where the missionaries had established their mission station.

The mass on June 25, 1879, was presided over by Msgr Leon Livinhac, who was the leader of the group.

The children who received First Holy Communion pronouncing their commitment.

This year’s celebration (at Nabulagala) was presided over by the Vicar General of Kampala Archdiocese, the Rt Rev. Msgr. Gerald Kalumba, together with a good number of priests, including Msgr Lawrence Ssemusu, Msgr John Baptist Ssebayigga, Fr Dr Ambrose Bwangatto, Fr Joseph Zunguluka wa Zunguluka and Fr. Richard Nnyombi, a senior confrere of the missionary society of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers).

In his homily, Msgr. Kalumba asked the Catholic faithful to deepen their Christian commitment, to be able to receive the Eucharist, which he described as the source and summit of the Catholic faith.

He discouraged religious dualism, whereby Christians go to church as they also worship their traditional gods.

The students' ensemble from St Lucia Hill School Namagoma in a musical entertainment action.

He urged Christians to deepen their understanding and conviction of the Catholic Catechism to avoid being misled.

Kalumba later asked Christians to pray for the beatification and subsequent canonisation of the pioneer Missionaries (Fr Simeon Lourdel Mapeera and Bro Delmas Amans).

During the celebration, 264 children received their first Holy Communion. The mass was animated by Bwayiise Catholic parish Choir.

The choir from Bwayiise parish leading the singing during mass.

Students carrying offertory during mass.

Students' musical ensembles from various schools, including St Lucia Hill School, Namagoma and Emmanuel College Kazo, entertained pilgrims with captivating songs in praise of the pioneer missionaries.