Lugazi Diocese at a glance: Animators of 2025 Martyrs Day

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Preparations for this year’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations at Namugongo Catholic Shrine are being led by Bishop Christopher Kakooza’s Lugazi Diocese, with activities in full swing.

Established in 1997, the diocese was carved out of the Kampala Archdiocese under the vision of Pope John Paul II. It encompasses the districts of Mukono, Buikwe, Kayunga, and Buvuma, with its headquarters in Lugazi municipality, Buikwe district.

The diocese’s main cathedral, Mary Queen of Peace, has undergone significant renovations to reflect its dignity and importance.

According to Harriet Ssaamanya, the diocese was officially launched on February 23, 1997, with Mathias Ssekamanya as its first bishop. A member of Naggalama Parish Council, Ssekamanya guided the diocese for 17 years before retiring in 2015, paving the way for Bishop Christopher Kakooza to take over leadership.

In 2022, the Lugazi Diocese celebrated its Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years of service to the people of God.

Ssaamanya highlighted that Naggalama Parish, one of the diocese's 34 parishes, is among the oldest in Uganda, established by Mill Hill Fathers missionaries in the 1800s. Led by Fr. Ignatius Ndawula, Naggalama Parish holds historical significance as the home of two Uganda Martyrs: Ponsiano Ngondwe from Bulimu Village and Mukasa Kiriwawanvu from Nammere Village, both located in Kyampisi sub-county, Mukono District.

During a pilgrimage to Ngondwe’s shrine in Bulimu last year, Bishop Kakooza informed attendees that the diocese initially had 33 parishes but now comprises 34.

He also noted the diocese’s impressive infrastructure, includes four hospitals—St. Francis Naggalama, St Francis Nkokonjeru, St Francis Nyenga, and St Charles Lwanga Buikwe—all located in Buikwe, along with 11 minor health units.

Additionally, the diocese operates 220 primary schools, 24 secondary schools, a medical school at Nyenga, and a seminary.

In a message from Dr. Augustine Kato, head of the laity, this year’s pilgrims are encouraged to emulate the martyrs in their daily lives. Reflecting on the diocese’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, Bishop Ssekamanya expressed concern about declining interest in religious vocations, noting financial constraints as a significant barrier.

He also lamented the growing indifference of men toward religious responsibilities, observing that many prioritise work over spiritual leadership within their families. This trend, he warned, is fostering ungodly behaviour among children, contributing to societal vices such as domestic violence, theft, corruption, and embezzlement.

Lugazi Diocese is also home to the Little Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi congregation, based in Nkokonjeru Parish, Buikwe District. Sr. Leticia Immaculate Nabukalu, headteacher of Namilyango Junior Boys School, shared that Mother Mary Kevin Kearney, the congregation’s foundress, is buried in Nkokonjeru, further enriching the diocese’s spiritual legacy.