The Kampala Archdiocese has marked a historic milestone, ordaining 24 priests and seven deacons in a single ceremony on at Lubaga Cathedral the largest number ever in one event.
Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, who presided over the Mass, described the day as a “sign of God’s mercy” and called on the newly ordained clergy to embrace humility, obedience, and complete dedication to their calling.
“I warmly welcome you and greet you on this joyful day as we witness our brothers being raised to the sacred orders of the diaconate and priesthood. Blessed be the Lord,” Archbishop Ssemogerere told the packed congregation.
‘The Wealth of a Priest Is Souls, Not Possessions’
In his homily, the Archbishop expressed gratitude to parents, guardians, and benefactors for “accompanying, mentoring, and protecting” the ordinands.
“We thank your parents for giving you life, raising you in the faith, and encouraging you in your vocation. They have given you to God to serve Him, not to support them,” he said.
Warning against materialism, he reminded the new priests that “the wealth of a priest is the souls he brings to God, not possessions,” urging them to “walk the way of the cross” and persevere through the inevitable challenges of ministry.
“The Lord is journeying with you, actually ahead of you. Avoid going your own way; you share in the one priesthood of Christ through the bishop. Do not go for other spirits… they will not help you, they will drain you and confuse you,” he cautioned.
Call for Prayer and Support
Archbishop Ssemogerere also appealed to the faithful to pray for the new priests and deacons. “Let the words of the rite of ordination inspire your prayers for these brothers and renew your love for Christ and His Church,” he said.
The Ordinands
The newly ordained priests are: Fr. Joseph Balikuddembe, Fr. Raymond Balikuddembe, Fr. Jude Thaddeus Bbuule, Fr. Chleophus Ssentamu, Fr. Fredrick Kikomeko, Fr. John Paul Onyango, Fr. James Kagawa, Fr. Francis Kasajja, Fr. Reagan Daniel Kisitu, Fr. Luggya Davis Mirembe, Fr. Benard Mukiibi, Fr. Augustine Lwanga, Fr. Nicholas Mukwaya, Fr. Victor Anthony Nyanzi, Fr. Maximilliano Ntambi, Fr. Anorld Ochang, Fr. Raymond Ssegawa, Fr. Vincent Sserumaga, Fr. John Ssendegeya, Fr. Vincent Yiga, Fr. Lawrence Luzinda, Fr. Givan Kasule, Fr. Simon Muyunga, and Fr. Wilfred Otubo.
The new deacons are: Dn. Alex Kawere, Dn. Edwin Kangavve, Dn. James Kaweesa, Dn. Ronald Kakooza, Dn. Leonard Sserugo, Dn. Victor Mugisha, and Dn. Linus Bageita.