Thousands of Christians on Sunday (July 28, 2024) converged at Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral for the grand celebration of the 60th anniversary of the cathedral parish.

The function started with a solemn thanksgiving mass presided over by the Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana, the Rt Rev Prof Joseph Antony Zziwa assisted by the Cathedral administrator, the Very Rev Fr Stephen Lusiba and several other clerics.

Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa (holding a crosier) posing for a group photo with Hon Matia Kasaija (on his immediate right), Hon Judith Nabakooba (wearing a yellow Busuuti) and some of the priests after the thanksgiving mass for the 60th anniversary of Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Left is the head of the laity, Joseph Kawuki and his wife Jacinta Kawuki.

Vicars Generals including Msgr. Dominic Ssengooba of Masaka Diocese and Msgr Charles Kasibante of Kampala Archdiocese also graced the function.

The function had many memorable spectacles, one of which was the awarding of certificates of appreciation to selected Catholic faithful who have served and participated in the activities of Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral parish with deeper commitment.

Among them was Hon Judith Nabakooba (the minister of Lands) who reportedly used her network of friends to raise about Ush80m for the golden jubilee celebration.  

Hon Judith Nabakooba receiving a certificate of appreciation from the Chancellor of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, Fr Emmanuel Tamale.

Another moment of excitement was the unveiling of couples who were wed, and the children who were prepared to receive the first Holy Communion in preparation for the jubilee.

Another highlight of the celebration was the proclamation of the Apostolic Blessing that Pope Francis imparted on Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral parish.

It was handed over to the Cathedral parish-priest, the very Rev Fr Stephen Lusiba.

Earlier, in his homily during mass, Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa congratulated the Christians of Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral parish upon the diamond jubilee of their parish and the cathedral.

He nonetheless challenged them to use the celebration to deepen their devotion to God and become better Christians.

He further asked them to strengthen their love and devotion to the Uganda Martyrs.

As one way of promoting the devotion of the Uganda Martyrs, Bishop Zziwa encouraged parents to name their children after the Uganda Martyrs.

Although all the 22 martyrs were men, Zziwa pointed out names like Kizito and Mugagga, which he said the Christians can give to their girl-child.

Government Lauds Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese

In her message delivered by the minister of Finance Hon Matia Kasaija, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja paid tribute to the Roman Catholic diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana for taking full advantage of the poverty-eradication programmes of the government to empower the people.

He particularly praised Bishop Antony Zziwa, the ordinary of the diocese for promoting farming/agriculture.

She donated Ush10m to the Cathedral parish.