The Kampala Archdiocese has made history, ordaining 24 priests and seven deacons in a single ceremony at Lubaga Cathedral Parish, the largest number ever in one event.
Presiding over the Mass, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere hailed the milestone as a “sign of God’s mercy” and urged the newly ordained clergy to embrace humility, obedience, and total dedication to their vocation.
“I warmly welcome you and greet you on this joyful day as we witness our brothers being raised to the sacred orders of the diaconate and priesthood. Blessed be the Lord,” Archbishop Ssemogerere said in his homily.
He thanked parents, guardians, and benefactors for “accompanying, mentoring, and protecting” the ordinands, adding, “We thank your parents for giving you life, raising you in the faith, and encouraging you in your vocation, they have given you to God to serve Him, not to support them.”
Warning against materialism, the Archbishop reminded the new priests that “the wealth of a priest is the souls he brings to God, not possessions.”
He further encouraged them to “walk the way of the cross” and remain faithful to their mission despite inevitable challenges.
“The Lord is journeying with you, actually ahead of you. Avoid going your own way; you share in the one priesthood of Christ through the bishop. Do not go for other spirits… they will not help you, they will drain you and confuse you,” he cautioned.
Archbishop Ssemogerere also urged the faithful to pray for the new priests and deacons, saying, “Let the words of the rite of ordination inspire your prayers for these brothers and renew your love for Christ and His Church.”
The 24 priests ordained include; Fr. Joseph Balikuddembe, Fr. Raymond Balikuddembe, Fr. Jude Thaddeus Bbuule, Fr. Chleophus Ssentamu, Fr. Fredrick Kikomeko, Fr. John Paul Onyango, Fr. James Kagawa, Fr. Francis Kasajja, Fr. Fr. Reagan Daniel Kisitu, Fr. Luggya Davis Mirembe, Fr. Benard Mukiibi, Fr. Augustine Lwanga, Fr. Nicholas Mukwaya, Fr. Victor Anthony Nyanzi, Fr. Maximilliano Ntambi. Fr. Anorld Ochang, Fr. Raymond Ssegawa, Fr. Vincent Sserumaga, Fr. John Ssendegeya, Fr. Vincent Yiga, Fr. Lawrence Luzinda, Fr. Givan Kasule, Fr. Simon Muyunga and Fr. Wilfred Otubo.
The new Deacons include; Alex Kawere, Edwin Kangavve, James Kaweesa, Ronald Kakooza, Leonard Sserugo, Victor Mugisha and Linus Bageita.
