The Archbishop of Kampala Paul Ssemogerere says Mother Church finds pride in the gift of young people who make her young again.

He points to the recently released census figures that showed that the population of the Catholics had declined by 2% from 39.3% in 2014 to 37.4% in the 2024 national census that gives a total figure of at least 16 million Catholics in Uganda.

He says despite the released figures, everyone can give testimony that Catholic Churches are always full throughout the country, baptism is also on the increase in the Church as well as the number of converts.

Archbishop Ssemogerere was leading mass on Wednesday in Hoima diocese at the ongoing National Catholic Youth Conference.

His Grace Ssemogerere further highlighted the importance of molding a holistic youth in different aspects such as; morally, spiritually, economically, socially and politically.

This mass was led by youths from Gulu Ecclesiastical Province and attended by the Ordinary of the host diocese, Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo, the Bishop of Moroto Diocese, Rt. Rev. Damian Giuseppe, the Vicar General of Hoima, Msgr. Robert Mugisa, plus a number of priests especially Youth Chaplains, youth leaders, the Head of Laity in Uganda, Gervase Ndyanabo, among others.

The conference that started on Tuesday shall run up to Sunday, December 15th 2024. 

Meanwhile, it was announced that next year’s National Catholic Youth Conference shall be organized by one of the dioceses under the Gulu Ecclesiastical Province.

By Florence Nangendo

11 Dec 2024

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