By.Sr.Sarah Muhindo
KIBURARA, KASESE – June 27, 2026: The Diocese of Kasese witnessed a moment of great joy and thanksgiving on Saturday, June 27, 2026, as five Deacons were ordained to the priesthood and three others to the diaconate during a solemn Eucharistic celebration held at St. John’s Seminary, Kiburara.
The ordination ceremony was presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Kasese, Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira, was this year held scientifically as the government tries to fight the Ebola Outbreak. A few people were invited, and others followed the function via the diocesan Radio Station (Kasese Guide Radio) with its social media channels like youtube and Tiktok.
Of the five newly ordained priests, four are diocesan priests while one belongs to the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (SSS), a missionary congregation dedicated to promoting devotion to the Holy Eucharist.
The newly ordained priests are:
- Rev. Fr. Robert Bwambale Mathande, from Kasanga Parish.
- Rev. Fr. Russiano Mbusa Kyangereza, from Kyalhumba Parish.
- Rev. Fr. Gidio Bwambale, SSS, a missionary priest from Nsenyi Parish and a member of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.
- Rev. Fr. Lodrick Asaba, from Ibanda Parish.
- Rev. Fr. David Bwambale, from Kitabu Parish.
Also ordained to the Order of Deacons were:
- Dn. Daniel Kule
- Dn. Thembo Sikahwa Jockim
- Dn. Ndungu Isaac
The ordination marked another significant milestone in the growth of the Diocese of Kasese as the Church continues to receive dedicated servants who have completed years of spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and human formation in preparation for ministry.
Bishop Kibira Challenges Clergy to Remain Faithful
While delivering his homily during the solemn Holy Mass, Bishop Kibira congratulated the newly ordained priests and deacons upon reaching this important milestone in their vocation. He reminded them that the priesthood is a sacred calling that demands total commitment, humility, and unwavering faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
The Bishop urged the new priests to remain deeply rooted in Christ, who called them to serve His Church, emphasizing that their effectiveness in ministry would depend on maintaining a close relationship with Him through prayer, the celebration of the sacraments, and selfless service to God’s people.
He also cautioned against the growing distractions brought about by modern technology and social media.
“While I appreciate the many benefits that technology offers, I am concerned that many people spend too much valuable time on social media instead of using that time to deepen their relationship with God and faithfully fulfill their responsibilities,” Bishop Kibira said.
He encouraged the newly ordained clergy to use technology responsibly and ensure that it serves the mission of evangelization rather than becoming a distraction from their pastoral duties.
The Bishop further reminded them that the priesthood is not about personal recognition or status but about sacrificial service, calling on them to be shepherds after the heart of Christ by preaching the Gospel faithfully, administering the sacraments with devotion, and serving all people with compassion, integrity, and humility.
A Celebration of Faith and Hope
The ordination ceremony was filled with prayer, thanksgiving, hymns of praise, and emotional moments as the candidates made their promises before the Bishop and the faithful. Family members and parishioners expressed gratitude to God for the gift of vocations and pledged continued support for the newly ordained clergy as they begin their ministries.
The Diocese of Kasese continues to encourage young people to respond generously to God’s call to the priesthood and religious life, recognizing vocations as a blessing not only to the local Church but also to the wider mission of evangelization.
The ordination of the five priests and three deacons stands as a testament to God’s continued faithfulness to the Diocese of Kasese and renews hope for the future of the Church as it receives more Laborers into the Lord’s vineyard.
