Kasana–Luweero Diocese Unveils Comprehensive Master Plan for the Development of the Birthplace of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta
isaacsemwangaSunday, May 31, 2026
Kasana–Luweero Diocese Unveils Comprehensive Master Plan for the Development of the Birthplace of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta
By BERNARD BAKALU
Luweero
Bishop Lawrence Mukasa unveils the foundation stone marking the commencement of the development of the birthplace of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta at Ssempa, Mulajje Parish, on Sunday, May 31, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Kasana–Luweero has unveiled a comprehensive pastoral and development master plan for the enhancement of the birthplace of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta, situated at Ssempa Village in Mulajje Parish, Mulajje Deanery.
The master plan was officially launched on Sunday, May 31, 2026, during the Diocese’s first-ever annual diocesan pilgrimage to this sacred site, traditionally recognized as the birthplace of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta, one of the Uganda Martyrs who bore heroic witness to Christ through the shedding of their blood.
A Legacy Rooted in the Witness of the Uganda Martyrs
The initiative builds upon a resolution announced during the 60th Anniversary of the Canonization of the Uganda Martyrs on November 15, 2024, at Munyonyo Martyrs Shrine, where the Church in Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to develop the birthplaces of the Martyrs into living centres of faith, pilgrimage, and spiritual renewal.
This ecclesial vision seeks to safeguard and promote the enduring legacy of faith, fortitude, and evangelical witness left by the Uganda Martyrs—whose sacrifice continues to edify the Church in Africa and the universal Church.
A Site of Sacred Memory and Ecclesial Importance
Perched on a hill, the site of Ssempa holds profound ecclesial and historical significance within the Catholic Church in Uganda, particularly in relation to the life and martyrdom heritage of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta.
Historical research and ecclesiastical verification of the site gained momentum under the pastoral leadership of Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, who, during his tenure as the second Bishop of Kasana–Luweero, consistently visited the area and encouraged scholarly inquiry into its martyrial significance.
This effort was further strengthened under the episcopate of Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa, the third Bishop of the Diocese, who deepened initiatives aimed at preserving, authenticating, and promoting the spiritual and historical patrimony of the site.
Following the official confirmation of Ssempa as the authentic birthplace and childhood home of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta, the Diocese advanced swiftly with structured development plans.
Establishment of the Diocesan Pilgrimage Tradition
In May 2024, Mulajje Parish organized the first pilgrimage to the site, with the intention of establishing an annual devotional tradition. However, no pilgrimage was held in 2025, as the Bishop directed that all faithful participate in Diocesan celebrations at the Cathedral during the Holy Jubilee Year.
Now in 2026, the Diocese has formally inaugurated the annual diocesan pilgrimage to Ssempa, marking a historic moment in the spiritual life of Kasana–Luweero Diocese.
The Diocese also confirmed that it is now blessed with three Uganda Martyrs’ birthplaces within its jurisdiction, namely:
- St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta at Ssempa, Mulajje Parish
- St. Kizito at Waluleeta, Waluleeta Parish
- St. Denis Ssebuggwawo at Lukumbi, Butalangu Parish
Episcopal Gratitude and Pastoral Exhortation
Addressing pilgrims, Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa, Bishop of Kasana–Luweero, expressed profound gratitude to the Government of Uganda for rehabilitating the access road leading to the shrine, which has greatly facilitated pilgrimage and pastoral visitation.
He also commended Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Wamala, Parish Priest of Mulajje Parish and Dean of Mulajje Deanery, for his commitment and pastoral zeal, particularly in securing seven acres of land surrounding the shrine for future ecclesial development.
The Bishop expressed joy at presiding over the inaugural diocesan pilgrimage to the site and urged the faithful to embrace it as a privileged place of prayer, penance, and spiritual renewal, inspired by the evangelical witness of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta.
He further noted that Mulajje Deanery is blessed with two diocesan pilgrimage centres—Ssempa and Kankoole–Kiwamirembe—strengthening its spiritual prominence within the Diocese.
During the pilgrimage, the faithful were guided through various sites linked to the life of the saint, including his former dwelling place and a cave traditionally associated with his childhood.
Eucharistic Celebration and Sacramental Grace
During the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, celebrated by Bishop Mukasa and preached by Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Wamala, the Bishop conferred the Sacrament of Baptism upon 25 children, a moment received with deep spiritual joy by the faithful.
A Multi-Billion Ecclesial Development Vision
In his homily, Fr. Wamala revealed that the Bishop’s vision for the shrine is expansive, with a development budget running into billions of Uganda shillings.
The proposed works include:
- The St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta Shrine, to serve as a centre of pilgrimage, prayer, and Eucharistic devotion
- A residence for priests and shrine personnel
- The St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta Primary School, grounded in Catholic doctrine and values
- The St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta Memorial Community Centre, to promote education, social outreach, and Christian unity
Fr. Wamala emphasized that the project seeks not only to preserve the martyr’s legacy but also to establish Ssempa as a major national and international destination for Catholic pilgrimage and religious tourism.
The shrine is also envisioned as a spiritual waypoint for pilgrims journeying to Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine for the annual Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations on June 3, offering them an opportunity for prayerful reflection before continuing their pilgrimage.
He further urged the faithful to offer prayers for the nation, especially for divine assistance in overcoming the persistent scourge of corruption affecting public and private institutions.
Recalling the virtues of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta, Fr. Wamala described him as a man of truth, integrity, and justice, and exhorted Christians to imitate his moral courage by rejecting corruption and every form of injustice.
He also encouraged the faithful to respond generously to the Bishop’s call to engage in coffee farming and other income-generating activities as a practical path toward poverty eradication and family self-reliance.
Post-Mass Announcements and Community Engagement
After Mass, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Ssekyanzi Lyevuze, Chancellor of Kasana–Luweero Diocese, informed the faithful that registration for the diocesan pilgrimage to Israel scheduled for February 5–9, 2027 would close within two weeks, urging those interested not to miss the opportunity.
He stressed the spiritual importance of the Holy Land pilgrimage in deepening Catholic faith and noted that after the deadline, processing of essential travel documents, including National IDs and passports, would commence.
Rev. Fr. Eria Kayonga, caretaker priest of Bugongo Parish, announced the inauguration of his parish scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, and invited the faithful to participate.
The Ssaabakristu (lay leader) of Mulajje Parish, Mr. Andrew Lubega, called upon Christians to actively support the ongoing development of the birthplace of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta.
The event also featured the awarding of medals to individuals who have rendered outstanding service to Mulajje Parish.
Fr. Wamala further disclosed that the faithful had contributed significantly to the development works by purchasing 3,000 bricks (size 9×9) to support construction activities.
In a related address, Mr. Erasto Kibirango, Luweero District LC V Chairperson, noted that the District had received support from Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, former Minister of Works and Transport, in facilitating road works to the shrine.
He added that following recent changes in Cabinet portfolios transferring Gen. Katumba Wamala to the Ministry of Public Service, the District would engage the new Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, to ensure continuity of infrastructure development leading to the shrine.
Bishop Lawrence Mukasa unveils the foundation stone marking the commencement of the development of the birthplace of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta at Ssempa, Mulajje Parish, on Sunday, May 31, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
The foundation stone bearing inscriptions commemorating the commencement of the development of the birthplace of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta at Ssempa, Mulajje Parish, unveiled on Sunday, May 31, 2026. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
Bishop Lawrence Mukasa baptizes a child during the diocesan pilgrimage to the birthplace of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta at Ssempa, Mulajje Parish, on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Assisting him is Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Wamala. PHOTO BY BERNARD BAKALU.
An artistic impression of the proposed development of the birthplace of St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta at Ssempa, Mulajje Parish, Kasana–Luweero Diocese. Screenshot by BERNARD BAKALU.
St. Athanasius Bazzekuketta
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