St. Jude Kyegombwa Catholic Parish Inaugurated

St. Jude Kyegombwa Catholic Parish Inaugurated

By BERNARD BAKALU

Luweero

 Rev. Fr. Robert Kayiwa takes the oath of office upon his installation as the first Parish Priest of St. Jude Kyegombwa Catholic Parish during the parish’s inauguration ceremony on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

On Sunday, May 24, 2026, St. Jude Kyegombwa Catholic Parish was solemnly inaugurated in a celebration marked by prayer, thanksgiving, and rich liturgical rites.

Rev. Fr. Robert Kayiwa was canonically installed as the first Parish Priest of the newly erected parish.

The celebrations began with the blessing of the grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God (Biikira Maria).

The parish church was then solemnly blessed, followed by the blessing of the tabernacle within the church—rites presided over by Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, Vicar General of Kasana–Luweero Diocese.

Shortly after, Rev. Fr. Joseph Kakooza Nnyanzi delivered welcoming remarks to the Bishop of Kasana–Luweero Diocese, Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa.

Expressing his surprise at the Bishop’s presence, he noted that the Prelate had recently returned from official duties abroad.

He then reminded the faithful that the Bishop had brought them Christ, whom they are called to love above all things.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Ssekyanzi Lyevuze, the Diocesan Chancellor, read the official ecclesiastical documents, including the canonical decree establishing the new parish.

He explained that St. Jude Kyegombwa Parish comprises several sub-parishes, namely: St. Joseph Nakikoota, St. Jude Kyegombwa, St. Paul Bukomba, and St. Matia Mulumba Kikube.

He further noted that the decree was duly signed by Bishop Lawrence Mukasa and countersigned by the Chancellor.

The Bishop then presided over the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

During the same celebration, Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, Vicar General, officiated at the installation of Rev. Fr. Robert Kayiwa as the first Parish Priest, congratulating him on the pastoral office entrusted to his care.

The homily during the Eucharistic celebration was delivered by Rev. Fr. Denis Ssebugwaawo, Parish Priest of St. Joseph and Vincenzo Romano Kalule Parish.

In the same liturgy, 48 children received the Sacrament of Confirmation, one couple celebrated the Sacrament of Matrimony, and three faithful were reconciled and restored to full sacramental life.

In his address, Bishop Lawrence Mukasa emphasized that the establishment of a parish is meant to bring the Church’s ministry closer to the people, especially through the proclamation of the Word of God, the celebration of the sacraments, and the strengthening of faith.

Addressing the faithful of Kyegombwa, he said: “Now that you have received a parish, strive to grow both spiritually and materially. Give praise to the Lord and witness Him through an authentic Christian life. Renewal must be evident in every dimension of our lives.”

The Bishop further encouraged the faithful, saying: “I urge all leaders and Christians alike to actively participate in the mission and activities of this parish, so that it may continue to grow and be built up, thereby fulfilling the purpose for which it was established.”

He also announced that following the planned priestly ordinations in August 2026, an additional priest would be assigned to assist Fr. Kayiwa in pastoral ministry.

For his part, Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, the Vicar General, expressed gratitude to Bishop Mukasa, saying:

“I sincerely thank Bishop Lawrence Mukasa for the wise decision to erect Kyegombwa as an independent parish, and for the ongoing developmental works. We are truly grateful.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of priests who had served the community during its formation: “I extend my appreciation to Fr. Denis Ssebugwaawo, who was parish priest at the time Kyegombwa was being prepared for parish status. Thank you for your dedicated service in this place.”

Turning to the newly installed Parish Priest, he added: “I also thank Rev. Fr. Robert Kayiwa for the time, effort, and prayer he invested in preparing this community for parish status. You have done commendable work in preparing the faithful to understand and embrace their identity and responsibilities as a parish community.”

In his response, Rev. Fr. Robert Kayiwa expressed deep gratitude, saying:

“I take this opportunity to sincerely thank our Bishop for establishing Kyegombwa Parish, for the financial support, for his prayers, and for the trust placed in us. We are truly grateful.”

He added: “We rejoice and give thanks to Almighty God for the gift of this parish through our Shepherd, Bishop Lawrence Mukasa.”

Fr. Kayiwa also pledged his faithful and diligent service in the pastoral care of the faithful entrusted to him.

Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, Vicar General of the Diocese of Kasana–Luweero, extends his congratulations to Rev. Fr. Robert Kayiwa following his installation as the first Parish Priest of St. Jude Kyegombwa Catholic Parish on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Rev. Fr. Robert Kayiwa takes the oath of office upon his installation as the first Parish Priest of St. Jude Kyegombwa Catholic Parish during the parish’s inauguration ceremony on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

 Rev. Fr. Robert Kayiwa signs the official ecclesiastical documents as he formally assumes pastoral responsibility for St. Jude Kyegombwa Catholic Parish following his installation as its first Parish Priest during the solemn parish inauguration ceremony on Sunday, May 24, 2026. On Fr. Kayiwa’s right is Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Ssekyanzi Lyevuze, Chancellor Kasana-Luweero Diocese and on his [Fr. Kayiwa] left is the leader of the laity in Kyegombwa Parish Mr. John Sserubiri.   

Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa, Bishop of Kasana–Luweero Diocese, addresses the faithful during the solemn inauguration of St. Jude Kyegombwa Catholic Parish on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Beside him is Rev. Fr. Robert Kayiwa, who was canonically installed as the first Parish Priest and entrusted with the pastoral care of the newly erected parish.

 Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, Vicar General of Kasana–Luweero Diocese, blesses and officially opens the priests’ residence during the solemn inauguration of St. Jude Kyegombwa Catholic Parish on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Standing beside him is Rev. Fr. Robert Kayiwa, who was canonically installed as the first Parish Priest and entrusted with shepherding the faithful of the newly erected parish under the patronage of St. Jude.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Ssekyanzi Lyevuze, Chancellor of Kasana–Luweero Diocese, reads the official canonical decree establishing St. Jude Kyegombwa Catholic Parish during the solemn inauguration ceremony on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

A screenshot capturing the live transmission of the solemn liturgical ceremony, broadcast via the official YouTube channel of Kasana–Luweero Diocese, “KLD Catholics Online.”

Amid joyful scenes of thanksgiving, Rev. Fr. Robert Kayiwa is accompanied by Rev. Fr. Joseph Kakooza Nnyanzi as he acknowledges and greets the faithful following his installation as the first Parish Priest of St. Jude Kyegombwa Catholic Parish on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Rev. Fr. Denis Ssebugwaawo, who at the time served as Parish Priest when Kyegombwa was designated for elevation to parish status and preparation for its establishment.

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