Lugazi Diocese queen of Peace one of the Catholic Diocese within Kampala Ecclesiastical Province has to today held a double celebration; 28 years since its inception, Priestly and Episcopate for the Bishops who have led the diocese to date.
Lugazi Diocese was founded in March 1997 with the first Bishop being Rt. Rev. Matthias Ssekamanya, now 88 years, led the diocese until 4th November 2014. Bishop Ssekamanya has today celebrated 40 years a Bishop and 60 years a priest.
In January 1999, the same diocese got the second Bishop Rt. Rev. Christopher Kakooza, now 72 years, today celebrated 25 years a bishop and 42 years a priest.
The celebrations marked with a Eucharistic thanksgiving led by Bishop Christopher Kakooza, in his homily the Bishop was grateful to God for the gift of life and priestly service he has granted them.
In a special way Bishop Kakooza hailed Bishop Matthias Ssekamanya for the cordial working relationship that has made their pastoral ministry easy and enjoyable.
The function was graced by His Grace Paul Ssemogerere the Archbishop of Kampala, Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa who is the Chairman Uganda Episcopal Conference and Bishop of Kiyinda Mityana diocese, Bishop Lawrence Mukasa of Kasana Luwero diocese and Pope Nuncio Emeritus Augustine Kasujja, and the State Minister for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo on behalf of the special guests among others.
At the same celebration Bishop Kakooza graced eight couples with the sacrament of Holy Matrimony all from Kibubbu sub parish in Lugazi Parish where the reigning Bishop resides.
Lugazi diocese that started on 23rd February 1997 with only 18 parishes having been curved from Kampala Archdiocese currently has 33 parishes.
Lugazi diocese covers four civil districts; Mukono, Buikwe, Kayuma and Buvuma With at least a population of the 1,500,000 million people Catholics make upto 42%. Among other achievements in these years; a cathedral, bishops’ houses, priestly house, office block, 50 pre-primary schools, 205 primary schools, 27 Catholic founded Secondary Schools 07 of which are government aided, 07 tertiary institutions, Four referral hospitals and 09 level IV health centres and a lot of supportive development projects are supported and overseen by Caritas Lugazi diocese.
By Jjunju Francis
23rd February 2025
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