Kampala Archbishop commissions new presbytery at Namugongo

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The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, has officially blessed a multi-billion-shilling priests’ presbytery at the Catholic Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo, marking a major milestone in the shrine’s expansion and pastoral development.

The colourful ceremony at Namugongo featured the blessing of the newly completed multi-purpose building, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the laying of a foundation stone for a new pilgrims’ centre to be constructed at the current office site.

The new storied building, whose construction started in 2015 during the visit of Pope Francis to Uganda, contains 30 rooms, four conference rooms, a large double dining hall and six offices. The facility sits on the expansive grounds of the Uganda Martyrs Shrine and is expected to provide accommodation and administrative space for priests serving at the shrine.

The event coincided with celebrations marking the 91st anniversary of Namugongo Parish and attracted several dignitaries from across the Kampala Archdiocese and beyond.

The celebration highlighted the unity and support of the wider community towards the development of the shrine.

Archbishop Ssemogerere described the completion of the priests’ house as a major achievement for the Church.

“It stands as a symbol of progress and unity, providing residence for many religious groups from all over the world and a versatile space for various activities and services that will enhance the quality of life for the Martyrs shrine,” he said.

The Archbishop also thanked the Government of Uganda, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, shrine rector Fr Vincent Lubega and parishioners for the support to fulfil the dream.

He paid tribute to the late Archbishop Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, whom he described as one of the key figures behind the project.

“His vision, determination first gave life to the project, although he is not still with us physically, but his legacy still lives with us. Let's keep quiet and pray for his soul to rest in peace,” Archbishop Ssemogerere said.

He added that the development reflected the growth of the parish and the faith of the Christian community.

“Today’s celebration is a clear sign of God’s abiding presence among you. The growth and development of a parish is not only seen in structures, but above all in the faith, unity, and commitment of the people. And the priest’s house we blessed today is a vital sign of pastoral care.”

According to Fr Lubega, the new facility will provide accommodation for priests serving at the shrine, ending years of renting elsewhere.

“Today, the Archbishop is blessing this house to us priests who are serving in this Parish to get where to reside. Later, we will invite the government official to come and open it officially. Before, we were renting somewhere, and we were tired.”

He thanked the government of Uganda for supporting the construction of the facility and described the day as significant for both parishioners and pilgrims who travel from around the world to commemorate Uganda Martyrs Day at Namugongo.

“And appreciated and happy to the government of Uganda, who supported us and contributed a lot on constructing this house. Before we rented somewhere, we waited until the house was completed, until the government gave us a hand,” Fr Lubega said.

He added that the chosen theme for the celebration, “Oh give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,” reflected the journey the parish had taken to complete the building.

“This is the testimony today, as many of us know where we came from to complete this building.”

The parish head of laity, John Nakedde, said Namugongo Parish has continued to expand over the years, giving rise to several other parishes.

“We have seven sub-parishes and one mobile sub-parish. We want to thank our religious leaders who are leading us, headed by Fr Vincent Lubega,” he said.

He noted that the parish had already given birth to St Gonzaga Gonza Kireka Parish and that Bulindo was also preparing to become a parish.