Katigondo Seminary rector celebrates 25 years in priesthood

MPIGI - The Very Rev Fr Dr David Ssenkaayi, rector of St Thomas Aquinas National Major Seminary Katigondo, celebrated his 25th priestly anniversary during a colourful function at his parental home in Nsangwa, Mitala-Maria, in Mpigi district.

His Thanksgiving mass on February 8, 2025, was celebrated by about 120 priests including the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Dr Augustine Kasujja and Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere.

Fr Dr David Ssenkaayi during a procession for his 25th priestly anniversary thanksgiving mass at his parents' home at Nsangwa-Mawokota, Mpigi district on Saturday, February 8, 2025. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere handing over the Apostolic Blessing of Pope Francis to Fr Dr David Ssenkaayi. This was during the latter's 25th priestly anniversary celebration at Nsangwa-Mawokota, in Mpigi district on Saturday, February 8, 2025. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

Various people spoke highly of Ssenkaayi describing him as an exemplary priest who has served the Catholic Church with a loyal and dutiful disposition. 

Among those who expressed deep admiration of Ssenkaayi was his former rector and teacher at Nswanjere Preparatory Seminary, Fr Aloysius Muwanga.

“We thank God for the gifts he lavished on our brother Fr David Ssenkaayi, particularly the virtues of faith, hard work, generosity, kindness, humility, prudence, love and concern for others. It is these virtues that have enabled him to exercise his sacerdotal ministry so admirably, and to be entrusted with big responsibilities,” Muwanga said.

Fr Dr David Ssenkaayi exposes the Apostolic Blessing that Pope Francis imparted to him. This was during his 25th priestly anniversary celebration at his parents' home at Nsangwa-Mawokota, in Mpigi district on Saturday, February 8, 2025. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere sharing a light moment with the parents and other family members of Fr Dr David Ssenkaayi after the Thanksgiving mass. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

Ssemogerere attributed the marvellous virtues of Ssenkaayi to his parents, Bernadette and Emmanuel Luswata, who he commended for their responsible and focused parenthood.

Ssenkaayi thanked his former teachers and formators at the various seminaries (including Fr John Chrysostom Maviiri, Ssemogerere, Msgr Charles Kasibante, Msgr Gerald Kalumba) for making him the person and priest he is. 

He also thanked Christians and other people of goodwill who have supported him in various ways.|

Fr Dr David Ssenkaayi (fourth-left) shares a photo moment with some of his clerical friends. This was during his 25th priestly anniversary celebration at his parents' home at Nsangwa-Mawoikota, Mpigi district on Saturday, February 8, 2025. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

Fr David Ssenkaayi (fourth-left) celebrating his 25th priestly anniversary thanksgiving mass at Nsangwa-Mawokota, Mpigi district on Saturday, February 8, 2025. Left is Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere. Right is the Apostolic Nuncio Dr Augustine Kasujja. (Credit: Matias Mazinga)

Ssenkaayi started his priestly journey at Nswanjere Preparatory Seminary. He later attended Kisubi Minor Seminary, Katigondo National Major Seminary (for philosophy) and St Mary’s National Major Seminary (for theology). 

Emmanuel Cardinal Dr Wamala subsequently ordained him a priest on August 14, 1999. 

He served briefly as a curate at Lubaga Cathedral parish subsequent to which he was appointed to Katigondo, where he is currently serving as Rector and Professor of Sacred Scripture.

Ssenkaayi’s priestly silver jubilee celebration was graced by many people, including dignitaries such as Lady Justice Christine Kitumba, the chairperson of Mpigi district Martin Ssejjemba, Kampala Archdiocese head of laity Lady Emily Kitto Mwaka, Vision Group Catholic community head Michael Ssebbowa, Legislators: Susan Nakawuki, Joseph Ssewungu, Teddy Nambooze and the newly-elected President of the alumni of Kisubi Minor Seminary Paul Kiguba, just to name a few.

Pope Honours Ssenkaayi

The marvelous sacerdotal ministry of Fr Ssenkaayi attracted the attention of Pope Francis who imparted his Apostolic Blessing on him.