Kampala Archdiocese moves to build home for elderly priests
Recognising this longstanding gap, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere has made the establishment of a dedicated home for retired and infirm priests one of the key priorities of his episcopal ministry. On May 19, 2026, that vision took a significant step forward when he broke ground for the construction of the facility.
The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere operates a back-hoe to launch the construction of the proposed elderly priests' centre at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Sub-parish church, Bweya, in Kajjansi Town Council, Wakiso district on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
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For six decades, the Archdiocese of Kampala has operated without a dedicated home for its ageing and frail priests.
Whenever a priest became too old to live independently or developed a permanent illness, he would be accommodated at Mapeera Bakateyamba’s Home in Nalukolongo, St. Paul’s House in Nabbingo, or the priests’ residence at Nsambya.
The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere (wearing a skull-cap) and the head of the laity of Kampala Archdiocese Emily Kitto Mwaka (second-right) unveil the plaque of the foundation stone of the proposed elderly priests' centre at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Sub-parish church, Bweya, in Kajjansi Town Council, Wakiso district on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
While these facilities have provided temporary solutions over the years, they were never specifically designed to cater for elderly or sick clergy. As a result, the priests residing there have not always been able to receive the level of care, comfort, and specialised support they deserve after decades of service to the Church.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held at St. Francis Xavier Sub-parish Church in Bweya, Kajjansi Town Council, Wakiso District. During the same event, Archbishop Ssemogerere also launched the 2026 Ssabasumba Annual Appeal Fund (SAAFU) campaign, whose proceeds will largely finance the construction of the proposed home on the Bweya site.
Fr Vianney Ssekalaala (one of the architects) giving an illustration of the project's master plan. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
“The house will not be for priests alone,” Archbishop Ssemogerere explained. “Lay people will also be free to access services at the facility for a fee, which will help support its maintenance. Even people in good health will have the opportunity to come here for rest and renewal.”
The Archbishop expressed gratitude to the pastoral executive council of St. Padre Pio Catholic Parish, Kabulamuliro - led by Engineer Andrew Sserunjogi and Fr. Remegio Kasibante - for donating the land on which the facility will be built. He also commended them for their moral and financial support toward the project.
Looking ahead, Archbishop Ssemogerere challenged priests and pastoral council leaders across the archdiocese to intensify mobilisation efforts among the faithful to ensure the facility becomes a reality within the next few years.
“We must complete this project in good time so that we can turn our attention to other pressing needs of the archdiocese,” he urged.
The Chairman of SAAFU, Edward Kanyike delivers his speech. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
In a symbolic moment marking the official launch of the project, Archbishop Ssemogerere unveiled the foundation stone for the proposed home before climbing into a backhoe to perform the first excavation works.
About SAAFU
The Ssabasumba Annual Appeal Fund (SAAFU) is the Archdiocese of Kampala’s self-reliance fund through which the Archbishop implements projects of common benefit across the archdiocese. The fund is sustained through annual contributions from Catholics throughout the archdiocese.
Addressing the gathering, SAAFU chairman Edward Kanyike called upon every Catholic to contribute at least sh10,000 towards the initiative.
Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere shares a photo-moment with little children who graced the function. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
“We are about two million Catholics in the archdiocese. If every Catholic contributed Shs10,000, we would raise Shs20 billion by the end of the year,” Kanyike said. “We no longer have any option but to become self-reliant.”
The launch generated approximately sh60 million in cash contributions and pledges. Among the leading contributors were Centenary Bank, which donated sh20 million, and Gayaaza Parish, which pledged sh15 million.