The Conventual Franciscan Friars, commonly known as the Greyfriars, have today, Wednesday, August 19, 2026, celebrated 25 years of evangelisation, pastoral ministry and community service in Uganda.

The anniversary ceremony was held at St Jude Parish in Kakooge, Nakasongola District, with the Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere, as the main celebrant.

Archbishop Ssemogerere welcomed Franciscan friars from different provinces, led by the Provincial, Fr Mariusz Koziol, while Fr Blasio Okoo represented the Order’s Minister General. The Bishop of Kasana-Luweero Diocese, the Rt Rev Lawrence Mukasa, concelebrated the Mass with Archbishop Ssemogerere.

The archbishop congratulated the friars on reaching the 25-year milestone and thanked God for what he described as their long and fruitful presence in Uganda.

“In these 25 years, you have given spiritual and pastoral guidance to our people,” Archbishop Ssemogerere said. “You have given sacraments, built structures of worship and built health centres to improve our people’s health.”

He cited the Franciscan Health Centre in Kakooge and Wanda Hospital in Matugga among the health projects established by the friars. He also commended their investment in education through St John Paul II Technical Institute, which equips learners with vocational skills in construction, agriculture, engineering, electronics, catering and mechanics.

The archbishop further praised the friars for supporting schools, including St Jude Primary School in Kakooge, which he described as one of the best-performing primary schools in the district.

“We cannot, therefore, fail to celebrate with you these 25 years of God’s grace, service and mission in our country,” he said.

Drawing from the day’s first reading in the Book of Isaiah, Archbishop Ssemogerere said God sends an anointed messenger to bring good news to the poor, bind the wounds of the broken-hearted and proclaim freedom to captives. He said the Franciscans had lived out that mission through their ministry during the past 25 years.

He recalled the condition of Kakooge when the first friars arrived in 2001 and said the development now visible in the area demonstrated the impact of their pastoral and social ministry.

The archbishop also thanked the missionaries for persevering through challenges, including learning local languages and adapting to a new apostolate. He described them as men of courage who had not abandoned their mission despite the difficulties they encountered.

Referring to the Gospel message that the harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few, Archbishop Ssemogerere thanked the friars for accepting the call to serve in Uganda. He said they had spread the Gospel by living among the people, staying in their homes and sharing their food.

During today’s celebration, Friar Lubowa Joseph professed his perpetual vows.

The Order of Friars Minor Conventual (OFM Conv.) began its mission in Uganda in 2001 with two Polish missionaries, Fr Stanislaw Zagórski Ssonko and Fr Bogusław DabrowskiKalungi. They arrived at the invitation of the then Bishop of Kasana-Luweero, the late Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga.

Kakooge, in present-day Nakasongola District, became the first Franciscan mission in the country. From that single community, the Greyfriars have expanded their presence to Matugga, Munyonyo, Gulu and Buwaya.

Fr Male Ulman, the Rector of Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine-Minor Basilica and Provincial Delegate of the Greyfriars in Uganda, said the growth demonstrates how deeply the Franciscan mission has become rooted in the country.

“Beginning with one small mission in Kakooge in 2001, the friars have expanded to Matugga, Munyonyo, Gulu and Buwaya, while establishing formation houses for postulants and friars in initial formation,” Fr Male said.

Fr Male said one of the mission’s greatest achievements has been the growth of indigenous Franciscan vocations. Although the first missionaries were Polish, a growing number of Ugandan young men have since joined the Order.

“Currently, more than 45 young men are in formation, making the Uganda Delegation one of the youngest and most vibrant in vocations within the entire Order,” he said.

“The increasing number of Ugandan vocations, the flourishing ministries and the opening of new missions show that the Franciscan charism has taken deep root in Uganda,” Fr Male said. “We remain committed to living the Gospel in fraternity, humility, service and peace.”

Also, seven Ugandans have been ordained priests in the Order.

Fr Male paid tribute to the late Archbishop Lwanga for entrusting the Greyfriars with three of the five places where they currently serve. He thanked Archbishop Ssemogerere, Archbishop Raphael p’Mony Wokorach and Bishop Lawrence Mukasa for their continued spiritual guidance and support.