Ex-Seminarians say why they didn’t make it to priesthood
Apr 19, 2007
IMAGINE your parish priest - Rev. Fr. Severino Kahinda Otafiire standing humbly besides you and saying: “My child, confess your sins, for the Kingdom of Heaven is nigh… or Rev. Fr. Robert Ssegawa calmly sitting inside the confession box and patiently listening to your transgressions ready to for
IMAGINE your parish priest - Rev. Fr. Severino Kahinda Otafiire standing humbly besides you and saying: “My child, confess your sins, for the Kingdom of Heaven is nigh… or Rev. Fr. Robert Ssegawa calmly sitting inside the confession box and patiently listening to your transgressions ready to forgive you in the name of Jesus.
Think of Fr. Arinaitwe Rugyendo of Red Pepper teaching you the virtues of a good Catholic –– honesty, humility and piety.
It would be interesting to know what kind of priest Fr. Augustine Ruzindana would make- not the kind to be pushed around perhaps.
Each of these individuals once hoped to become a priest. They joined the seminary and trained there for some time, hoping to walk in the Biblical High Priest Melechizedech’s footsteps, a journey that ended prematurely.
However, they still cherish the seminary times. Why then did they bow out? Stephen Senkaaba explores.
Joseph Mulwannyammuli Ssemogerere: Bukalasa Minor Seminary, Masaka diocese
I attended seminary training in the 60s and I left about 1968. I was in a class of 45 seminarians. After sometime, there was pressure from some of my relatives for me to leave.
I was the only boy in my family. This perhaps raised concern among them. I was not happy to leave. And Fr. Robinson, my rector then, was equally disappointed. I, however, cherish every moment of my stay in the seminary.
It is there that I acquired values like honesty, humility, punctuality and cleanliness.
Richard Tusiime, Editor, Red Pepper newspaper: Kitabi Minor seminary, 1986-92
AFTER Senior Six, I felt that I could serve God in any other capacity. So I decided not to continue to the major seminary.
I had promised my Bishop that I would continue. I later informed him that I had changed my mind. He respected my decision.
The seminary is the most organised institution I have known- it is a bit like the army where everything follows strict timetable. From there I learnt to be organised and to respect authority.
Dr. Peregrin Kibuuka, the former headteacher of Namilyango College, lecturer Makerere University: Attended Nyenga and Ggaba seminaries (1957-1966).
AFTER successfully completing my course at Ggaba National Seminary, I was granted a scholarship to continue my priestly formation in Rome.
This is when I decided to leave the seminary. I knew the moment I went there, there would be no turning back. If all went well, I would be ordained at 23. I would not even be quarter a century old.
I finally resolved that it was better to regret not having become a priest than to regret having becoming one.
I walked out feeling I had made the right decision. It is a decision I never regret. However, I am proud of the formation I received from the seminary.
Robert Ssegawa, musician, producer, songwriter, media consultant and businessman. (Nyenga seminary and Katigondo Major Seminary 1983-1992).
I was sent away from the seminary because I was too stylish.
I was the only one with a French cut. I loved to dress Michael Jackson style –– tight jeans, white socks and canvass shoes.
Towards my third and final year, my rector said: “I cannot send you with that square head to Bishop Ssekamanya to lay his hands on: Having studied a bit of philosophy, I tried to justify myself.
He said that he had doubted my commitment to priesthood from the beginning and that I was a stumbling block to fellow seminarians’ vocation.
The report from my parish priest did not help matters.
He said that during holidays, I went to church only on Sunday and helped only with the choir. I was expected to be more active. I cried when I was asked to leave, so did my spiritual director. I pleaded to the Cardinal to no avail.
I later realised that priesthood is a calling. My dismissal was probably God’s plan. I have no regrets though. The best days of my life were spent in the seminary.
Hilary Bainemigisha newspaper columnist (The New Vision’s Dr. Love)
I was one of the top students in my class. I was one of the best in sports and drama.
But months to my Senior Four exams, I was expelled. The rector called me to his office and told me he thought I would serve God better elsewhere, but in the seminary.
My training in the seminary left a lasting impression on me. I learnt to be patient and hardworking –– virtues that have helped me progress in life.
Maurice Kagimu Kiwanuka, state minister for economic monitoring. Attended Nyenga, Kisubi, Alokulum seminaries and the Verona Fathers congregation(1974-1988).
I pursued priesthood until 1988 when I became heir to my father, the late Benedict Kiwanuka.
I had then joined the Verona Fathers congregation in Kenya. I then realised that my new role as heir required me to assume responsibilities in my family which would not permit me to serve as a priest.
I decided to leave. Seminary training prepared me for the future. I learnt patience and tolerance for others.
Severino Kahinda Otafiire, Minister of Local Government.
WHAT is the difference between the seminary and other schools, says Otafiire, who was expelled after one year in the seminary.
Now a Major General in the army, probably Otafiire would now be at the rank of a bishop had he completed his pastoral studies.
The humourous General probably would be a very captivating preacher that no church goer would nap during his sermon.
H.E Bonny Katatumba, Honourary Consul of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Attended Kitabi Minor seminary, 1961-63
I do not quite remember what happened. I was a timekeeper shortly before I left and I think I went wrong somewhere as I executed my duties.
Even then, I think I was not called to be a priest. I was far too liberal. It had also become something of a family routine for the boys in my family to go to the seminary.
All my four elder brothers had been to the seminary. I attained the best training in the seminary, most especially self discipline, self respect and hard work.
Arinaitwe Rugyendo, Editor and co-founder of the Red Pepper newspaper. Attended Kitabi Minor seminary (1990-96)
Seminary training calls for patience. As I progressed through, I realised I could not wait for long. As the first born in my family, I had the responsibility of looking after my siblings and contribute to the family income because my parents were not able to.
I had to find quick means to earn a living so that my siblings would continue with their education. Against the will of my mother, I took a decision to leave the seminary after Senior Six.
I vowed to serve God in other ways by being a good citizen. From the seminary, I learnt the virtues of honesty, discipline and hard work. I am indeed grateful even though some people begrudge my work.
Prof. Foster Byarugaba, commissioner former Constitutional Review Commission and lecturer Makerere University Department of Political Science (60s) Kisubi Seminary.
I really loved to be a priest and I enjoyed my stay in the seminary. But one day I was asked to leave.
Perhaps my formatters felt I would not make a good priest. What I know is that I got the best training from the seminary.
It has made me the person I am today –– disciplined, serious, principled and true to my faith. I am happy to have undergone this kind of training.
Prof. Peter Kasenene, former minister for Privatisation and head of the laity in Mbarara Archdiocese. Attended St. John Fischer preparatory seminary Ibanda and Kitabi minor seminary (1961-68)
After six years in the seminary, I realised that I could do better as a lay Christian.
It was towards my Senior Four. After this, I was not sure if I wanted to continue with seminary training. My parents and formatters including Bishop John Baptist Kakubi were disappointed but they all respected my decision.
Today, I am glad I went to the seminary for it turned me into a well rounded individual and a responsible citizen.
Augustine Ruzindana, opposition member and former Member of Parliament. Attended Kitabi and Bukalasa Minor seminaries.
The Bible says that many are called, but few are chosen. I was not chosen. After O’ Level at Kitabi, about four or five of us joined Bukalasa in Masaka as the arrangement was at the time.
I spent one term in Bukalasa and never went back. I just felt I was not ready for priesthood. I wrote to my bishop, gave him my reasons (which I will not tell you because you are not my Bishop).
He sent emissaries to convince me to go back but I refused. From the seminary I learnt the virtue of working for other people and not for self.
I also learnt to be patient and have been patient enough to answer your questions.
Think of Fr. Arinaitwe Rugyendo of Red Pepper teaching you the virtues of a good Catholic –– honesty, humility and piety.
It would be interesting to know what kind of priest Fr. Augustine Ruzindana would make- not the kind to be pushed around perhaps.
Each of these individuals once hoped to become a priest. They joined the seminary and trained there for some time, hoping to walk in the Biblical High Priest Melechizedech’s footsteps, a journey that ended prematurely.
However, they still cherish the seminary times. Why then did they bow out? Stephen Senkaaba explores.
Joseph Mulwannyammuli Ssemogerere: Bukalasa Minor Seminary, Masaka diocese
I attended seminary training in the 60s and I left about 1968. I was in a class of 45 seminarians. After sometime, there was pressure from some of my relatives for me to leave.
I was the only boy in my family. This perhaps raised concern among them. I was not happy to leave. And Fr. Robinson, my rector then, was equally disappointed. I, however, cherish every moment of my stay in the seminary.
It is there that I acquired values like honesty, humility, punctuality and cleanliness.
Richard Tusiime, Editor, Red Pepper newspaper: Kitabi Minor seminary, 1986-92
AFTER Senior Six, I felt that I could serve God in any other capacity. So I decided not to continue to the major seminary.
I had promised my Bishop that I would continue. I later informed him that I had changed my mind. He respected my decision.
The seminary is the most organised institution I have known- it is a bit like the army where everything follows strict timetable. From there I learnt to be organised and to respect authority.
Dr. Peregrin Kibuuka, the former headteacher of Namilyango College, lecturer Makerere University: Attended Nyenga and Ggaba seminaries (1957-1966).
AFTER successfully completing my course at Ggaba National Seminary, I was granted a scholarship to continue my priestly formation in Rome.
This is when I decided to leave the seminary. I knew the moment I went there, there would be no turning back. If all went well, I would be ordained at 23. I would not even be quarter a century old.
I finally resolved that it was better to regret not having become a priest than to regret having becoming one.
I walked out feeling I had made the right decision. It is a decision I never regret. However, I am proud of the formation I received from the seminary.
Robert Ssegawa, musician, producer, songwriter, media consultant and businessman. (Nyenga seminary and Katigondo Major Seminary 1983-1992).
I was sent away from the seminary because I was too stylish.
I was the only one with a French cut. I loved to dress Michael Jackson style –– tight jeans, white socks and canvass shoes.
Towards my third and final year, my rector said: “I cannot send you with that square head to Bishop Ssekamanya to lay his hands on: Having studied a bit of philosophy, I tried to justify myself.
He said that he had doubted my commitment to priesthood from the beginning and that I was a stumbling block to fellow seminarians’ vocation.
The report from my parish priest did not help matters.
He said that during holidays, I went to church only on Sunday and helped only with the choir. I was expected to be more active. I cried when I was asked to leave, so did my spiritual director. I pleaded to the Cardinal to no avail.
I later realised that priesthood is a calling. My dismissal was probably God’s plan. I have no regrets though. The best days of my life were spent in the seminary.
Hilary Bainemigisha newspaper columnist (The New Vision’s Dr. Love)
I was one of the top students in my class. I was one of the best in sports and drama.
But months to my Senior Four exams, I was expelled. The rector called me to his office and told me he thought I would serve God better elsewhere, but in the seminary.
My training in the seminary left a lasting impression on me. I learnt to be patient and hardworking –– virtues that have helped me progress in life.
Maurice Kagimu Kiwanuka, state minister for economic monitoring. Attended Nyenga, Kisubi, Alokulum seminaries and the Verona Fathers congregation(1974-1988).
I pursued priesthood until 1988 when I became heir to my father, the late Benedict Kiwanuka.
I had then joined the Verona Fathers congregation in Kenya. I then realised that my new role as heir required me to assume responsibilities in my family which would not permit me to serve as a priest.
I decided to leave. Seminary training prepared me for the future. I learnt patience and tolerance for others.
Severino Kahinda Otafiire, Minister of Local Government.
WHAT is the difference between the seminary and other schools, says Otafiire, who was expelled after one year in the seminary.
Now a Major General in the army, probably Otafiire would now be at the rank of a bishop had he completed his pastoral studies.
The humourous General probably would be a very captivating preacher that no church goer would nap during his sermon.
H.E Bonny Katatumba, Honourary Consul of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Attended Kitabi Minor seminary, 1961-63
I do not quite remember what happened. I was a timekeeper shortly before I left and I think I went wrong somewhere as I executed my duties.
Even then, I think I was not called to be a priest. I was far too liberal. It had also become something of a family routine for the boys in my family to go to the seminary.
All my four elder brothers had been to the seminary. I attained the best training in the seminary, most especially self discipline, self respect and hard work.
Arinaitwe Rugyendo, Editor and co-founder of the Red Pepper newspaper. Attended Kitabi Minor seminary (1990-96)
Seminary training calls for patience. As I progressed through, I realised I could not wait for long. As the first born in my family, I had the responsibility of looking after my siblings and contribute to the family income because my parents were not able to.
I had to find quick means to earn a living so that my siblings would continue with their education. Against the will of my mother, I took a decision to leave the seminary after Senior Six.
I vowed to serve God in other ways by being a good citizen. From the seminary, I learnt the virtues of honesty, discipline and hard work. I am indeed grateful even though some people begrudge my work.
Prof. Foster Byarugaba, commissioner former Constitutional Review Commission and lecturer Makerere University Department of Political Science (60s) Kisubi Seminary.
I really loved to be a priest and I enjoyed my stay in the seminary. But one day I was asked to leave.
Perhaps my formatters felt I would not make a good priest. What I know is that I got the best training from the seminary.
It has made me the person I am today –– disciplined, serious, principled and true to my faith. I am happy to have undergone this kind of training.
Prof. Peter Kasenene, former minister for Privatisation and head of the laity in Mbarara Archdiocese. Attended St. John Fischer preparatory seminary Ibanda and Kitabi minor seminary (1961-68)
After six years in the seminary, I realised that I could do better as a lay Christian.
It was towards my Senior Four. After this, I was not sure if I wanted to continue with seminary training. My parents and formatters including Bishop John Baptist Kakubi were disappointed but they all respected my decision.
Today, I am glad I went to the seminary for it turned me into a well rounded individual and a responsible citizen.
Augustine Ruzindana, opposition member and former Member of Parliament. Attended Kitabi and Bukalasa Minor seminaries.
The Bible says that many are called, but few are chosen. I was not chosen. After O’ Level at Kitabi, about four or five of us joined Bukalasa in Masaka as the arrangement was at the time.
I spent one term in Bukalasa and never went back. I just felt I was not ready for priesthood. I wrote to my bishop, gave him my reasons (which I will not tell you because you are not my Bishop).
He sent emissaries to convince me to go back but I refused. From the seminary I learnt the virtue of working for other people and not for self.
I also learnt to be patient and have been patient enough to answer your questions.