The faithful of Uganda Martyrs Catholic Parish, MunyonyoMinor Basilica, joined Christians from across the Kampala Archdiocese to celebrate its 60th anniversary and Archdiocesan Day at Lubaga Cathedral on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
During the Mass, presided over by the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, Christians were urged to respect and care for vulnerable members of society, particularly widows, widowers and the elderly.
“We must pay particular attention to the vulnerable, including widows. Although the reading mentions widows rather than widowers, we know that widowers also exist and can be vulnerable,” Archbishop Ssemogerere said.
He also noted the importance of caring for older people, recognising their contribution to the growth of the Church and the country.
“Pope Francis often reminded us that even in old age, people continue to bear fruit. We must recognise and care for them because they have contributed immensely to the growth of our country and our Church. We would not be where we are today without their sacrifices and dedication,” he said.
The Munyonyo faithful participated in several activities during the celebration, including a procession and greetings to the archbishop.
The event also featured presentations of pastoral reports from parishes across the Archdiocese, alongside assessments of parish contributions through the 10 per cent tithe and the SAAFU initiative.
Munyonyo Parish ranked second in the 10% parish tithecontributions, behind Gayaza Parish. In SAAFU, Munyonyoemerged as the leading parish in Nsambya Deanery.
Christians from Buwaya, an outstation of Munyonyo, also took part in the celebration. It was announced that Buwayawill be inaugurated as a parish on 13th June 2027, the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua.
The Mass to inaugurate the new parish will include a priestly ordination by the Franciscan Community. Buwaya is currently under the care of the Franciscan Community of Munyonyo.
During the anniversary celebrations, the Archdiocese instituted three new orders and awarded medals to individuals and institutions recognised for embodying the values and legacy of its former leaders.
The awards were established by Archbishop Ssemogerere in honour of the late Archbishop Joseph Nakabaale Kiwanuka, Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga and Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, Archbishop Emeritus of Kampala.
The Archdiocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Ambrose Bwangatto, explained that the awards recognise contributions to the Church and society in line with the values promoted by the former archdiocesan leaders.
The Order of Archbishop Joseph Nakabaale Kiwanuka recognises servant leadership, self-reliance, the common good and social justice.
Among those recognised under this order was the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, a Catholic from LwezaParish. Fr. Bwangatto said Mayiga was honoured for demonstrating a leadership approach that reflects the values associated with the late Archbishop Kiwanuka.
Other recipients included Lady Justice Christine Katumba of Lubaga Cathedral Parish and Rev. Fr. Deogratias Mutumba, who was ordained by Archbishop Kiwanuka and has served as a seminary teacher for 41 years.
As part of efforts to preserve and promote the religious heritage of the Archdiocese, a new department, Uganda Martyrs Heritage and Tourism, was established.
The department will be responsible for promoting Catholic martyrs’ shrines and supporting tourism activities within the Kampala Archdiocese.
