All Saints’ Catholic Parish, Nakitoma Inaugurated

Updated on March 18, 2026
by Jerome

By BERNARD BAKALU

Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi installs Rev. Fr. Pontian Ssonko as the pioneer Parish Priest during the inauguration ceremony of All Saints’ Catholic Parish, Nakitoma, on Sunday, March 15, 2026. PHOTO BY VINCENT KYOMYA.

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, All Saints’ Catholic Parish Nakitoma was officially inaugurated in a solemn ceremony presided over by Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, the Vicar General of Kasana-Luweero Diocese.

The day began under clear, sunny skies, providing a fitting backdrop for this historic occasion.

Parishioners from Nakitoma and neighboring sub-parishes, including Our Lady of Assumption Kafu, St. Remigius Kikooba, St. Francis Malombe, St. Cecilia Bujjabe, and St. Peter’s Mulonzi, arrived early to witness the inaugural events.

Additional guests attended from across the Nakasongola Deanery, where Nakitoma is located, as well as from other parts of the Diocese.

Among the congregation were priests, religious men and women, ecumenical leaders, local politicians, including Members of Parliament and ministers, and faithful from other regions.

The ceremony commenced with Msgr. Mukiibi, representing Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa, the Bishop of Kasana-Luweero Diocese, who is currently abroad on official duties.

He first blessed the Priests’ residence and the Parish Church, followed by the blessing of the tabernacle.

In a solemn act of dedication, he installed Rev. Fr. Pontian Ssonko as the pioneer Parish Priest of All Saints’ Parish.

Fr. Ssonko had been serving as the caretaker of the parish for over a year.

The blessings were conducted in the presence of several priests, with Rev. Fr. Achilles Ssemakula, Dean of Nakaseke Deanery, serving as Master of Ceremonies.

Following the blessings, a procession led to the celebration of Holy Mass, officiated by Msgr. Mukiibi.

During his homily, Msgr. Mukiibi conveyed greetings from Bishop Mukasa, stating, “Although our Bishop is overseas on official duties, his heart rejoices with the faithful of Nakitoma as you receive your own parish. Let us offer thanks to God for this gift.” He congratulated the community for the establishment of the parish and thanked Rev. Fr. Dr. Lawrence Kizito Kimbowa, Dean of Nakasongola Deanery, for his instrumental role in preparing the parish, which was originally part of Migyera Parish.

Msgr. Mukiibi also lauded Fr. Ssonko for his tireless work as caretaker since September 2024, remarking, “Fr. Ssonko has turned Nakitoma into a true home for the faithful.” This acknowledgment drew ululations of joy from the congregation.

The Vicar General encouraged the priests present to support Fr. Ssonko in his new role.

In a joyful addition to the Mass, two couples were wed during the celebration: Matia Yiga and Annet Nabakooza, and Godfrey Sekayingo and Deborah.

SPEECHES

Fr. Pontian Ssonko, now the first Parish Priest, expressed humility and joy at his appointment.

“As I prepared this parish, I never imagined I would be entrusted as its first Parish Priest. It is my vow that Nakitoma will grow rapidly, for the glory of God,” he said.

He announced plans to elect a parish executive to replace the current acting committee and congratulated the couples married during the ceremony.

Fr. Ssonko also recognized Rev. Fr. Joachim Anglio, the only priest born in Nakitoma, and encouraged more young men from the parish to consider the priesthood.

Fr. Cyril Kasigwa, Pastoral Coordinator, emphasized the parish’s pioneering role, noting that Nakitoma is the first among twelve new parishes to be inaugurated.

He urged parishioners to cooperate with their Parish Priest and encouraged registration for the planned pilgrimage to the Holy Land in February 2027, assuring the faithful that ongoing conflicts would not impede the journey.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Lawrence Kizito Kimbowa, Dean of Nakasongola Deanery, likened the birth of Nakitoma Parish to a woman delivering twin children, remarking, “Our deanery has produced a new child of God in the form of Nakitoma Parish. Another will follow on June 29.”

Eng. Francis Sserubambula of Bulamu Building Services, the contractor for the Parish Church, announced that the project would require UGX 500 million, urging early contributions to avoid rising material costs.

Hon. Robert Ssekitooleko, MP for Bamunanika County, pledged support from Members of Parliament and the Mulajje Deanery, including 100 bags of cement, and appealed to Nakitoma’s faithful in the diaspora to contribute to the parish’s development.

A fundraising drive for the construction of the new Parish Church was overseen by Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Wamala, Dean of Mulajje Deanery.

The community generously contributed both cash and pledges, demonstrating their commitment to the parish’s growth.

Mr. Ronald Ssemakula, leader of the laity in the diocese and representative of KALUNCLA, stated, “As the executive body of the laity, we are committed to contributing UGX 500,000 to each parish at its inauguration to support its development.”

The historic day concluded with the cutting of the cake, marking a joyful celebration of faith, community, and the birth of a new parish in the Kasana-Luweero Diocese.

INAUGURATION OF NAKITOMA PARISH IN PICTURES

Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi congratulates Rev. Fr. Pontian Ssonko after installing him as the pioneer Parish Priest during the inauguration ceremony of All Saints’ Catholic Parish, Nakitoma, on Sunday, March 15, 2026. PHOTO BY VINCENT KYOMYA.

Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi leads prayers during the inauguration ceremony of All Saints’ Catholic Parish, Nakitoma, on Sunday, March 15, 2026. PHOTO BY VINCENT KYOMYA.

Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi blesses the tabernacle during the inauguration ceremony of All Saints’ Catholic Parish, Nakitoma, on Sunday, March 15, 2026.PHOTO BY VINCENT KYOMYA.

Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi blesses the Priests’ house during the inauguration ceremony of All Saints’ Catholic Parish, Nakitoma, on Sunday, March 15, 2026. PHOTO BY VINCENT KYOMYA.

Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, joined by other priests and members of the faithful, cuts the cake during the inauguration ceremony of All Saints’ Catholic Parish, Nakitoma, on Sunday, March 15, 2026. PHOTO BY VINCENT KYOMYA.

Priests pose for a group photo with members of the faithful during the inauguration ceremony of All Saints’ Catholic Parish, Nakitoma, on Sunday, March 15, 2026. PHOTO BY VINCENT KYOMYA.

PICTORIAL BEFORE THE CEREMONY