By Jamillah Kemigisa
The Catholic Church in Kabale Diocese on Saturday recorded a landmark spiritual milestone as Bishop Callist Rubaramira ordained four priests and eight deacons at Rushoroza Cathedral. In a spirited call, the prelate urged the newly ordained clergy to shoulder their vocation with courage, sacrifice, and uncompromising service to both God and humanity.
The colorful liturgy—graced by hundreds of Christians, clergy, and civic leaders—was one of the most momentous ordination ceremonies in the diocese in recent years.
Delivering his homily, Bishop Rubaramira emphasized that the priesthood and diaconate are not positions of prestige but sacred missions demanding selflessness and fidelity.
“You are being sent forth as soldiers of Christ,” he declared. “The world you are entering is fraught with challenges. You must therefore serve with holy aggression—fearlessly, faithfully, and without compromise.”
He exhorted the ordinands to embody Christ’s compassion, stand firm against corruption, moral decline, and neglect of the poor, and become living witnesses of the Gospel.
The Bishop further announced that the newly ordained will first take a month-long holiday before receiving official deployment to their respective parishes and missions.
The new priests are Stephen Niwandinda, Onesmus Ahabwe, Frank Atuzarirwe, and Mark Aheisibwe, while the deacons include Sostine Mugisha, Justus Turyatunga, Deusdedit Niwagaba, Adon Aturinde, Ivan Ndamira, Peregrino Beinomugisha, Syrus Ahaririza, and Cyril Arthur Ayebazibwe.
The ordination Mass was punctuated with jubilant ululations, traditional songs, and prayers of thanksgiving from families and the wider Catholic fraternity across Kabale. Bishop Rubaramira applauded the parents of the newly ordained for nurturing vocations that will fortify the Church’s mission in Kigezi and beyond.
Local leaders present hailed the event as a blessing for the community, noting the Church’s enduring role in education, healthcare, and social transformation in the region.
With the diocese facing expanding pastoral needs amid rising populations and socio-economic challenges, the addition of new priests and deacons is expected to strengthen evangelization, advance community development programs, and reinforce the Church as a moral compass in a society battling cultural and ethical dilemmas.
As the Mass concluded, cathedral grounds erupted in celebration. “We thank God for this gift of new priests and deacons. They are a light for the future of our diocese,” said parishioner James Tumukunde.
With this ordination, Kabale Diocese ushers in a renewed wave of pastoral energy, positioning itself with greater strength to meet both spiritual and societal needs.
