Mbarara Archdiocese ordains eight candidates to priesthood
The Archbishop of Mbarara, Lambert Bainomugisha, was the main celebrant at the ceremony held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Nyamitanga Parish in Mbarara City. In his address, Archbishop Bainomugisha reminded the newly ordained priests of their sacred duty to administer the sacraments and preach the Gospel.
The Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha blessing the newly ordained deacons during the ordination ceremony which took place on Saturday at Nyamitanga Cathedral in Mbarara city. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
__________________
The Archdiocese of Mbarara has ordained eight deacons to the priesthood, including one member of the Apostles of Jesus congregation, an international religious group founded in Uganda.
Two more candidates will be ordained at Mushanga Parish in September, coinciding with the parish's 80th anniversary celebrations.
The eight ordained priests are Judie Ahimbisibwe, Derrick Ayijuke, Everist Baguma, Leonard Birungi, Sosteni Nasasira, Innocent Ninsiima, Gilbert Nomuhangi and Alphael Tumushabe.
The Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha blessing the newly ordained deacons during the ordination ceremony which took place on Saturday at Nyamitanga Cathedral in Mbarara city. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
At the same event on August 8, 2026, 16 seminarians from various parishes were ordained to the transitional diaconate, marking a major milestone on their path towards the priesthood.
They are Wilbroad Abenawe, Onesmus Arinda, Rodrick Asiimwe, Harary Atwongeire, Hilary Bimanywa, Drekee Gumanamukama, Vicent Muhangi, Pastor Nabaasa, Chrispus Nasasira, Aventino Ngabirano, Theodor Nuwamanya, Levi Tukamusiima, Julius Tumuhimbise, Emmanuel Tumusiime, Richard Tumwesigye and Benjamin Turinawe.
The Archbishop of Mbarara, Lambert Bainomugisha, was the main celebrant at the ceremony held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Nyamitanga Parish in Mbarara City.
In his address, Archbishop Bainomugisha reminded the newly ordained priests of their sacred duty to administer the sacraments and preach the Gospel.
He subsequently deployed the newly ordained priests to various parishes and commended all individuals and organisations that supported the ordination ceremony.
The Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, interacts with the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, as the newly ordained priests and deacons look on. This was shortly after the ordination ceremony on Saturday at Nyamitanga Cathedral in Mbarara City. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa was the chief guest, joined by several political and religious leaders who participated in the Mass and festivities.
Also in attendance was Gervase Ndyanabo, the national head of laity of the Catholic Church in Uganda.
He also called upon them to support government efforts to combat societal vices such as corruption, encourage cleanliness in homes and promote positive cultural discipline.
The Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa posing for the photo with MPs who attended the ordination ceremony on Saturday at Nyamitanga Cathedral in Mbarara city. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
Tayebwa reaffirmed the government's commitment to partnering with religious institutions and supporting Church-led wealth creation initiatives, such as those spearheaded by the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Fund.
The head of laity of the Archdiocese of Mbarara, Eng. Dr Silver Mugisha, expressed gratitude to Archbishop Bainomugisha and the clergy of the archdiocese for what he described as faithful, visionary and selfless stewardship that has nurtured a vibrant local Church rooted in faith, unity and service.
The Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa posing for the photo with the newly ordained priests and deacons shortly after the ordination ceremony on Saturday at Nyamitanga Cathedral in Mbarara city. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
He thanked the parents, guardians, relatives, benefactors, individuals, organisations and friends of the ordained priests and deacons for enabling them to respond faithfully to their vocation.
Mugisha outlined several projects that the Laity Executive intends to undertake, including strengthening spiritual empowerment, promoting the financial sustainability of the archdiocese and ensuring that Christians are economically empowered, with emphasis on coffee growing.