MBARARA CITY — Sixteen seminarians from different parishes have been ordained to the transitional diaconate, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards priesthood.
The ordination ceremony was held on August 8, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Nyamitanga Parish in Mbarara City and attracted more than 5,000 Catholic faithful from different parts of the Archdiocese of Mbarara and beyond.
The ceremony was presided over by the Archbishop of Mbarara, Lambert Bainomugisha, who served as the main celebrant.
The newly ordained deacons are Wilbroad Abenawe, Onesmus Arinda, Rodrick Asiimwe, Harary Atwongeire, Hilary Bimanywa, Drekee Gumanamukama, Vicent Muhangi, Pastor Nabaasa, Chrispus Nasasira, Aventino Ngabirano, Theodor Nuwamanya, Levi Tukamusiima, Julius Tumuhimbise, Emmanuel Tumusiime, Richard Tumwesigye and Benjamin Turinawe.
In his address, Archbishop Bainomugisha reminded the newly ordained clergy of their sacred responsibility to serve the Church, administer the sacraments and proclaim the Gospel as they continue their formation towards priesthood.
He subsequently deployed the newly ordained deacons to different parishes and commended the individuals, families and organisations that contributed to the success of the ordination ceremony.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa was the chief guest at the ceremony, which was attended by several political and religious leaders, including Gervase Ndyanabo, the national head of laity of the Catholic Church in Uganda.
Tayebwa urged the newly ordained priests and deacons to promote unity among Christians as they undertake their pastoral responsibilities in their respective communities.
He also called on the clergy to support efforts aimed at addressing societal challenges, including corruption, poor sanitation and declining cultural discipline.
Tayebwa reaffirmed the government’s willingness to work with religious institutions, particularly in supporting Church-led initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of communities.
He highlighted initiatives such as those promoted by the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Fund as important avenues through which religious institutions can contribute to wealth creation and economic empowerment.
Meanwhile, the head of laity of the Archdiocese of Mbarara, Eng. Dr Silver Mugisha, thanked Archbishop Bainomugisha and the clergy for what he described as faithful, visionary and selfless leadership that has helped nurture a vibrant local Church built on faith, unity and service.
Mugisha also recognised the parents, guardians, relatives, benefactors, organisations and friends of the newly ordained deacons for supporting them throughout their vocational journey.
He outlined several priorities for the Laity Executive, including strengthening spiritual empowerment, improving the financial sustainability of the archdiocese and promoting economic empowerment among Christians.
He said particular emphasis would be placed on coffee growing as part of efforts to improve household incomes and strengthen the economic wellbeing of Christians.
The ordination brought together thousands of faithful in a celebration that combined religious devotion, community fellowship and a renewed call for service to the Church and society.
