Close to two years after Munyonyo Parish was entrusted with Buwaya Sub-Parish, the Franciscan Friars have made significant progress in building a vibrant Christian community in the area.
Every Sunday, a priest travels from Munyonyo, crossing Lake Victoria by boat, to minister to the faithful in what is set to become St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Buwaya. The sub-parish was officially entrusted to Munyonyo in 2024.
The handover was conducted by Fr. Basil Mirundi, Parish Priest of Buyege Parish, on Sunday, 15th September 2024. The event was attended by members of the Munyonyo Parish Executive and other Christians. During the ceremony, Fr. Mirundi stated:
“I want to officially introduce you to Rev. Fr. Male, the Rector of Munyonyo Parish. The archbishop decided that the Franciscans would lead the development of this new parish. I promise to continue working with you in the upcoming stages of this mission.”
Following the handover, plans to construct a friary were initiated. The project has since completed its first phase (foundation) and is currently in the second phase, which requires at least UGX 300 million to complete.
In November 2025, parishioners from Munyonyo joined their counterparts in Buwaya for a fundraising drive, raising part of the required funds. However, with the new parish boundaries now clearly defined to include over seven island sub-parishes, there is an urgent need to accelerate the construction of the friary. This will enable the priests to reside closer to the community and eliminate the need for weekly travel from Munyonyo.
According to Fr. Male, priority was given to constructing the friary to facilitate closer pastoral engagement and community building before embarking on the construction of the main church.
All parishioners of Munyonyo are therefore encouraged to support this mission and contribute towards the successful establishment of the new parish. Financial contributions can be made through the parish bank accounts, details of which are provided at the end of this article.
The faithful are also encouraged to visit Buwaya and build relationships with the growing community. Last year, Christians from Buwaya, led by their Ssabakristu, SsemuwelaPeter, joined Munyonyo Parish in celebrating Martyrs’/Parish Day on 3rd June, and they are expected to participate again this year.
Parish groups, including men, women, youth, and marrieds ministry, are further encouraged to actively engage with and support the new parish during its formative years.
Wesune Sub-Parish, located across Lake Victoria, can be accessed by ferry from Nakiwogo or by road via Nakawuka. A delegation of Christians and seminarians from the Munyonyo Franciscan Community has already accompanied the priests on this important mission.
This is the first sub-parish under the direct pastoral care of the Munyonyo Franciscan Community.
OFFICIAL BANK ACCOUNT:
Centenary Bank
A/c: 3100118698
Name: St. Anthony Catholic Church Buwaya
