Diocese of Kasese Transforms Former Centenary Bank Building into Convent for Sisters
The Bishop of Roman Catholic Diocese of Kasese, Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira, has officially opened a newly renovated convent for religious sisters after transforming the former Centenary Bank building at Cathedral Hill into a residence for sisters serving in church institutions within the diocese.
The convent was officially opened on Saturday, 7th March, at Kasese Catholic Cathedral Hill during a ceremony attended by clergy, religious sisters, health workers, students, and members of the Christian community.
The building, which previously operated as a branch of Centenary Bank, has been completely renovated and repurposed under the guidance of the Bishop to provide accommodation for sisters working at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital and Mt. St. Mary’s College of Health Sciences.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Bishop Kibira said the transformation of the building into a convent reflects the diocese’s commitment to supporting the mission of religious sisters who dedicate their lives to serving the community through healthcare, education, and pastoral work.
He noted that the sisters play a critical role in strengthening the Church’s social services, especially in the health and education sectors, and therefore deserve a conducive and secure place to live as they carry out their ministry.
“The Church appreciates the invaluable work done by the sisters in hospitals, schools, and pastoral centers. By converting this former bank building into a convent, we are ensuring that they have a suitable home close to the institutions where they serve,” Bishop Kibira said.
The Bishop added that the new convent will mainly accommodate sisters serving at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital and those working as trainers at Mt. St. Mary’s College of Health Sciences.
He explained that having the sisters reside near the institutions where they serve will improve coordination, strengthen spiritual life within the institutions, and enhance service delivery to patients and students.
The newly opened convent features renovated rooms, prayer space, common living areas, designed to support the religious and community life of the sisters.
During the event, the congregation also witnessed a moment of celebration for two sisters working at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital and Mt. St. Mary’s College of Health Sciences who recently graduated in their professional studies.
The two sisters, who serve in the hospital and training institution, were congratulated at Mountains of the Moon University and Makerere University completing their academic programs while continuing to serve patients and students.
Bishop Kibira praised their dedication, noting that their achievements demonstrate the commitment of religious sisters to continuous learning and professional excellence in order to improve the quality of services offered by church-founded institutions.
“These sisters have shown that service to God and the community goes hand in hand with education. Their graduation is not only a personal achievement but also a blessing to the hospital, the college, and the entire diocese,” he said.
The opening ceremony was marked by prayers, thanksgiving, and blessings of the building, as the Bishop officially commissioned the convent for use by the sisters.
Members of the Christian community who attended the function welcomed the initiative, saying it will strengthen the presence and work of religious sisters in the Diocese of Kasese.
In addition to serving as a residence for the sisters, the convent will also host a community outreach program aimed at supporting vulnerable children in Kasese.
According to the diocesan leadership, the community at the convent will every Sunday host registered street children and provide them with a meal as part of the Church’s charitable mission.
The initiative is expected to offer the children not only food but also spiritual guidance, counseling, and a sense of belonging within the Christian community.
Church leaders say the program is intended to restore hope and dignity to children living in difficult circumstances while encouraging them to seek a better future.
The Bishop emphasized that caring for vulnerable people, especially children, remains an important part of the Church’s mission.
“Our mission as a Church is not only to preach the Gospel but also to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable in our society. Welcoming these children every Sunday is one way of showing them love, care, and hope,” Bishop Kibira said.
The transformation of the former Centenary Bank building into a convent has been widely welcomed by Christians and residents around Cathedral Hill, who say the project symbolizes the Church’s commitment to service, charity, and community development.
With the convent now officially opened, the sisters are expected to begin residing in the facility immediately as they continue their work of healing, teaching, and serving the people of Kasese and the wider Rwenzori region.

Christians bringing offertories during thanks giving mass of the newly constructed sister’s convent of health workers at Mt St Mary’s hospital diocese of Kasese with acall on believers to impress repentance during lent period

Sr Nanyanzi giving her message on special thanks giving day after graduating with Bachelor of Nursing from Mountain of the Moon University