“The idea of constructing the friary is so that the friars can begin the mission in Buwaya without commuting from Munyonyo. The parish hall will initially serve as a church,” said Fr. Male.
At present, the small church in Buwaya cannot accommodate all the faithful, with many attending Mass from outside. This is especially difficult during the rainy season. The new parish hall will seat around 300 people and serve as a temporary place of worship until the main church, designed for 800 people, is built. The church’s design, proposed by architect Andrea, draws inspiration from the shrine in Padua, Italy, where St. Anthony is buried.
A special feature of the new church will be an underground grotto beneath the altar, similar to ancient basilicas in Rome. This space will serve as a place for prayer and veneration, where the relics of St. Anthony of Padua, recently received from Italy, will be placed in the future.
Currently, the site has no fence, and the friars are appealing to well-wishers, Munyonyo parishioners, and all people of goodwill to support the start of construction for the friary and parish hall.
About the Mission
In September 2024, the Franciscan Community of Munyonyo officially took over the new sub-parish from Buyege Parish, following the handover by Parish Priest Fr. Basil Mirundi. The mission was entrusted to the Franciscans by the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, with plans to eventually elevate it to a full parish.
The land for the new church, totalling seven acres, was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Yiga, parishioners of Munyonyo, who also have a country home in Buwaya. Future plans for the site include a convent for sisters and a health centre to serve both the faithful and the wider community.
This mission becomes the fifth Franciscan Grey Friars mission in Uganda, joining Kakooge in Luwero Diocese, Matugga and Munyonyo in Kampala Archdiocese, and Gulu in Gulu Archdiocese.
Parishioners who would like to contribute towards the construction of the Buwaya mission may do so through the bank details provided below. May the Lord bless you abundantly for your generosity.
