Waluleeta Parish Inaugurated During the 2026 Kasana–Luweero Diocesan Annual Pilgrimage to St. Kizito Shrine

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Waluleeta Parish Inaugurated During the 2026 Kasana–Luweero Diocesan Annual Pilgrimage to St. Kizito Shrine

St. Kizito

By Bernard Bakalu

Luweero

St. Kizito Shrine, Waluleeta, was elevated to parish status on Sunday, July 26, 2026, during the annual Kasana–Luweero Diocesan Pilgrimage to the birthplace of St. Kizito, the Patron Saint of the Diocese of Kasana–Luweero.

During the solemn celebration, Rev. Fr. Jain Mathai Kalungi, CMI was canonically installed as the first Parish Priest of the newly established St. Kizito Shrine Parish, Waluleeta.

The annual diocesan pilgrimage, held every last Sunday of July, draws thousands of faithful to Waluleeta, the birthplace of St. Kizito, one of the Uganda Martyrs whose unwavering witness to Christ continues to inspire Catholics, especially the youth.

The historic occasion brought together hundreds of pilgrims, clergy, religious men and women, catechists and lay faithful from across the diocese. Before the Eucharistic Celebration, many pilgrims approached the Sacrament of Reconciliation, while others participated in the planting of memorial trees as a lasting symbol of faith, hope and stewardship of God’s creation.

The ceremonies were presided over by Msgr. Vincent De Paul Mukiibi, the Vicar General of Kasana–Luweero Diocese and Administrator of Our Lady of Fatima Queen of Peace Kasana Cathedral, who represented His Lordship Rt. Rev. Lawrence Mukasa, Bishop of Kasana–Luweero Diocese. Bishop Mukasa was away in Nairobi, Kenya, participating in the 2026 AMECEA Plenary Assembly.

The day’s celebrations commenced with the solemn blessing of the parish church by Msgr. Mukiibi, followed by the canonical inauguration of the new parish and the installation of Rev. Fr. Jain Mathai Kalungi, CMI as its first Parish Priest.

The official decree establishing Waluleeta Parish was read by Rev. Fr. Cyril Kasigwa, the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, who represented the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Ssekyanzi Lyevuze, currently on annual leave abroad.

The establishment of Waluleeta Parish brings to seven the number of new parishes inaugurated in Kasana–Luweero Diocese since the beginning of 2026. The others are Nakitoma, Wobulenzi, Katuugo, Kyegombwa, Bugongo, and Kansiira, reflecting the Diocese’s continued pastoral expansion aimed at bringing the Church closer to the People of God.

During the Eucharistic Celebration, the homily was delivered by Rev. Fr. Mathias Jjooga, Parish Priest of Nandere Parish.

Fr. Jjooga congratulated the Christians of Waluleeta on the gift of a new parish and encouraged them to embrace their responsibility of building a vibrant Christian community rooted in faith, unity and active participation in the life and mission of the Church.

He urged the faithful to renounce everything that separates them from Jesus Christ and to remain steadfast in their Christian vocation.

Reflecting on the witness of St. Kizito, Fr. Jjooga called upon the faithful—especially children and young people—to imitate the youthful martyr’s courage, purity and unwavering commitment to Christ despite his tender age.

St. Kizito Shrine.

He commended the large number of children who took part in the pilgrimage, reminding them that St. Kizito himself was only about fourteen years old when he courageously embraced martyrdom for the sake of the Gospel.

Fr. Jjooga noted that despite his young age, St. Kizito had already developed a deep spiritual life and was well grounded in prayer. He encouraged today’s children to cultivate the same love for prayer, the Sacraments and Christian values so that they too may become faithful witnesses of Christ.

The liturgical music during the Holy Mass was animated by the choir of St. Kizito Waluleeta Primary School, whose reverent singing enriched the solemn celebration.

This year’s diocesan pilgrimage was animated by the Kasana–Luweero Diocese Primary Schools Association (KALUPSA).

Speaking after the celebration, Mr. Andrew Wesige, Chairperson of KALUPSA, expressed profound gratitude to Bishop Lawrence Mukasa for entrusting the association with the responsibility of coordinating and animating this year’s diocesan pilgrimage.

He described the assignment as both a privilege and a valuable learning experience for Catholic primary schools throughout the Diocese.

According to Mr. Wesige, the responsibility strengthened the association’s capacity to organize large-scale diocesan events, enhanced teamwork and resource mobilization, and deepened the spiritual formation of both pupils and teachers through active participation in the Church’s liturgical life.

He thanked the KALUPSA Executive Committee, Parish Education Committee Chairpersons, head teachers and all those who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the pilgrimage.

Mr. Wesige also paid tribute to Rev. Fr. Joseph Mary Ssekalegga, the Diocesan Education Secretary, and Rev. Fr. Bonny Muzira, the Religious Education Advisor, for their pastoral guidance, encouragement and unwavering support throughout the planning and execution of the pilgrimage.

The inauguration of St. Kizito Shrine Parish, Waluleeta, marked a significant milestone in the evangelizing mission of Kasana–Luweero Diocese, further strengthening the Church’s pastoral presence at one of its most sacred places of pilgrimage while honouring the enduring legacy of St. Kizito, whose witness of faith continues to inspire generations of Christians.

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