Diocese Receives New Health Facility as Mary Martin Kansiira Health Centre III is Commissioned

By Bernard Bakalu

Nakasongola District

Kasana–Luweero Diocese has received a major boost to its health apostolate following the commissioning of Mary Martin Kansiira Health Centre III, a new Catholic-founded health facility established in Kansiira Parish, Nakasongola Deanery.

The commissioning ceremony took place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, and was marked by prayer, thanksgiving, and reflections on service to humanity. The event began with the Bishop of Kasana–Luweero, Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa, blessing the facility with holy water as he toured the premises. This was followed by the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which the Bishop presided over.

In his homily and later remarks, Bishop Mukasa described the new health centre as “a true Christmas gift to the people of Kansiira,” noting that the once hard-to-reach community now has a health facility that will bring healing, dignity, and hope closer to the people.

“This health centre is a sign of God’s love made visible through the Church’s mission,” the Bishop said. “We thank God that Kansiira, which for long lacked accessible healthcare, can now look forward to improved services and a healthier community.”

He added that, since Kansiira is a newly established parish, the Diocese plans to soon assign a resident priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Kakooza, to strengthen both pastoral care and community service initiatives.

A Story of Growth and Perseverance

After Mass, several speakers reflected on the journey that led to the establishment of the facility. Rev. Fr. Joseph Kakooza, Chairperson of the Board overseeing the construction of the health centre, recalled the transformation of the area since he first served in Nakasongola in 1992.

“When I served here over 30 years ago, access to essential services was a major challenge,” Fr. Kakooza said. “To see a modern health facility standing here today is a testimony to faith, commitment, and the Church’s enduring presence among her people.”

He commended the Medical Missionaries of Mary for their selfless dedication, describing the facility as “new life breathed into the community.”

Government Recognition of Faith-Based Contribution

Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. Irene Mwenyango, Assistant Commissioner for Adolescent and School Health, officiated at the commissioning on behalf of government. She described the multi-million-shilling facility—constructed by the Medical Missionaries of Mary under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kasana–Luweero—as a significant contribution to Uganda’s health system.

Dr. Mwenyango emphasized that health infrastructure plays a central role in national development, citing the National Development Plan and Uganda Vision 2040.

“Health service delivery is at the centre of human capital development and Uganda’s journey toward middle-income status,” she said. “The well-being of our people remains fundamental to social and economic transformation.”

She highlighted the importance of Public–Private Partnerships, noting that government works closely with faith-based and not-for-profit institutions to expand access, efficiency, and quality of healthcare services.

According to the Health Facility Master List, Uganda has 6,937 health facilities, with nearly half of all services delivered by the private sector. Dr. Mwenyango observed that private not-for-profit institutions, particularly faith-based facilities, play a critical role in serving rural and underserved populations.

She explained that a Health Centre III provides outpatient, maternity, and inpatient services, adding that the Kansiira facility is expected to significantly strengthen primary healthcare in the region.

“This health centre will work closely with the district local government to ensure qualified staffing, reliable medical supplies, and adherence to quality standards,” Dr. Mwenyango said.

She also reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to oversight, support supervision, and technical guidance, and underscored the importance of regular reporting through HMIS and DHIS2 systems.

Origin of the Medical Missionaries of Mary explained

Rev. Sr. Angela, who represented the Mother General, explained that the Medical Missionaries of Mary (MMM) originated in Ireland.

She said the congregation was founded in 1937 in Drogheda, Ireland, by Mother Mary Martin, an Irish medical doctor. Her vision was to combine professional medical care with the Christian mission of compassion and evangelization, particularly among poor and underserved communities.

Mother Mary Martin believed that healing the sick was a concrete expression of Christ’s love and an essential part of the Church’s mission. At a time when few women were doctors and even fewer were missionaries, she pioneered a new model of religious life that united medicine, faith, and missionary service.

From its beginnings in Ireland, the Medical Missionaries of Mary expanded rapidly to Africa, Asia, and Latin America, establishing hospitals, health centres, and community health programs. Their work has focused on maternal and child health, primary healthcare, disease prevention, and health education, especially in rural and marginalized areas.

Today, the congregation serves in many countries worldwide, continuing its founding charism of “bringing healing where it is most needed,” guided by professional competence, Gospel values, and deep respect for human dignity.

Diocese Commits Continued Support

The Kasana–Luweero Diocesan Health Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Frank Mugga, praised the Medical Missionary Sisters of Mary for their perseverance in establishing the facility despite numerous challenges.

“The journey was not easy,” Fr. Mugga said. “There were moments of resistance and difficulty, but faith, collaboration, and determination carried the day.”

He assured the Sisters of the Diocese’s continued support and collaboration with district authorities, including the District Health Office, to ensure effective operations.

Fr. Mugga also addressed community perceptions about healthcare costs.

“Many people fear going to well-equipped health centres, thinking they are expensive, and they only come when illness is advanced,” he said. “This facility is affordable because it is supported by the Diocese, and people should come early and seek care.”

COMISSIONING OF MARY MARTIN KANSIIRA HC 3 IN PICTURES

Mary Martin Kansiira Health Centre III, in Nakasongola District on Thursday, December 18, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Bishop Lawrence Mukasa moves through the facility as he blesses it with holy water during the commissioning of Mary Martin Kansiira Health Centre III in Nakasongola District on Thursday, December 18, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

People gather around Mary Martin Kansiira Health Centre III in Nakasongola District during its commissioning on Thursday, December 18, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Dr. Irene Mwenyango, Ass. Commissioner for Adolescent and School Health at the M.o.H reads the inscriptions on the foundation stone of Mary Martin Kansiira HC III ahead of its commissioning in Nakasongola District on Thursday, December 18, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Bishop Lawrence Mukasa leads prayers during the commissioning of Mary Martin Kansiira Health Centre III in Nakasongola District. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Some of the Priests in a procession ahead of Holy Mass during the commissioning of Mary Martin Kansiira Health Centre III in Nakasongola District on Thursday, December 18, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

 Some Kansiira residents witness the commissioning of Mary Martin Kansiira Health Centre III in Nakasongola District. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Kakooza Nnyanzi delivers a speech during the commissioning of Mary Martin Kansiira Health Centre III in Nakasongola District on Thursday, December 18, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Rev. Sisters pose for a group photograph with Bishop Lawrence Mukasa during the commissioning of Mary Martin Kansiira HC 3, on Thursday, December 18, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Bishop Lawrence Mukasa waters a memorial tree he planted during the commissioning of Mary Martin Kansiira Health Centre III in Nakasongola District on December 18, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.

Sr. Angela, delivers a speech on behalf of the Mother General, Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Rev. Sisters join Bishop Lawrence Mukasa and Dr. Irene Mwenyango in cutting the cake during the commissioning of Mary Martin Kansiira Health Centre III on Thursday, December 18, 2025. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.