The Catholic Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana has strengthened its clergy with the ordination of seven new priests and six deacons during a colourful ceremony held at St. Noah Kiyinda Cathedral.
The ordination was presided over by the Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, Bishop Anthony Zziwa, who urged the newly ordained ministers to embrace their vocation with humility, dedication and unwavering commitment to serving God’s people.
The seven newly ordained priests are Fr. John Bosco Luswata (Kibalinga Parish), Fr. Deogratius Atuhaire (Mubende Parish), Fr. Lawrence Ssebuliba (Bukalangi Parish), Fr. Godfrey Kikonyogo of the Camillian Congregation (Kiboga Parish), Fr. Patrick Kateregga (Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral Parish), Fr. Godfrey Ssebikyu (Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral Parish), and Fr. John Paul Yawe (Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral Parish).
The six ordained deacons are Dn. Everest Bugonzi, Dn. John Bosco Muliika, Dn. Florent Niyorurema, Dn. Papa Moise of the Camillian Congregation from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dn. Samuel Ssebbaale and Dn. John Vianey Ssebutemba.
In his homily, Bishop Zziwa reminded the newly ordained clergy that the priesthood is not a position of honour but a sacred responsibility centred on serving God’s people.
He cautioned them against the many challenges they would encounter in ministry and encouraged them to remain rooted in the Ten Commandments as a guide for their pastoral work.
“The ministry you have entered has many challenges. To understand and overcome them, always return to the Ten Commandments. You may be posted to a sub-parish with fewer than ten Christians, but never lose hope. Serve them faithfully and continue preaching the Gospel,” Bishop Zziwa said.
The bishop also appealed to Ugandans to uphold the values of democracy. He expressed concern over the recently concluded LC1 elections, saying some irregularities undermined the credibility of the exercise.
He cited an incident in one village where, despite one candidate receiving more votes, that person was allegedly not declared the winner.
Bishop Zziwa called on leaders and citizens alike to respect democratic principles and ensure that the will of the people is upheld in future elections.
The ordination ceremony attracted hundreds of faithful, priests, religious men and women, family members and friends who gathered to witness and celebrate the new additions to the Diocese’s clergy.
