A story of God's faithfulness

What you see today as the current Parish premises started as a small community of visionary, committed and focused believers praying together. The Bweyogerere Catholic Christian Community started as a Sub-Parish; under the initiative of volunteer Christians like Mr. Kirumira (RIP), Mr. Ssempala (RIP), Mr. Mutumba and Mr. J.C. Kayiza (RIP). Christians began to organize themselves with the hope of having a Parish some time. The church started under a mango tree at the then newly constructed Namboole bypass road at Kireka. Christians prayed under a mango tree. Later they constructed a grass and wattle church, which was later demolished and replaced by the now Allamano Parish Hall.

Bweyogerere then had features of a rural-urban community, with relatively low population consisting mainly of the native Abaana enzaalwa or children born in the area. The early morning train Kayoola or call it the ‘early bird’ was the most outstanding icon of the time. The working class often woke up before dawn to ensure they catch the early bird. Needless to say, the struggle to obtain seats in kayoola reflected the financially humble nature of the families in the area at that time. Today, Bweyogerere has gradually advanced into a semi-urban area and it is now a metropolitan and densely populated community, with more families and improved vertical architectural sites, commonly referred to as sky scrapers. Through congested, its infrastructure reflects an urban setting, with many supermarkets cropping up in different corners. Public transport consists mainly of Taxis while a few economists still board kayoola to save a few coins but more so, to save time due to the disgusting heavy traffic jam on Jinja road. The dealers in transport business along Bweyogerere-Kampala route, enjoy and exploit the large population.

The Quest for Parish at Bweyogerere.

Bweyogerere was an out-station of Namugongo Parish before the coming of the Consolata Missionaries. The service Parishes of Namugongo and Mbuya then were far apart. Among a couple of options, Bweyogerere was considered a better geographical location since it was near the road, having travelers and visitors in mind. It was envisaged that many travelers would branch off for Mass on the way of Kampala. Namugongo Parish was under the leadership of Mgr. Mbwega, in Nsambya Deanery, Kampala Archdiocese.

With the help of Msgr. Ssebayigga, the Christians of Bweyogerere made deliberate steps to acquire a Parish status in the early 80s. The Christians had embarked on two uphill tasks; one of acquiring land, and of putting up a priest’s residence in quest for a resident priest. Having at least one priest born in the area was yet another requirement for establishing a Parish. The late Mr. Thomas Bazitya (RIP) offered a portion of his land to the church. The land donated by the Bazitya Family, is where Fr. Luigi Barbante built the new church. He also convinced his son to sell the land he [Mr. Bazitya] had given him for the establishment of a school. The school was built and named St. Thomas Bazadde Primary School. The Parish and school premises currently occupy 3 acreage of land. By 1984, the preparations for establishing the Parish were in the final stages. We wish to recognize the following lay Christians for their sacrifice and commitment in founding Bweyogerere sub-parish: Mr. Moses Kirumira (RIP); Mrs. Daisy Kirumira; Mr. and Mrs. Lubowa (RIP); Mr. and Mrs. Tom Kalule (RIP), Mr. Mukasa (RIP), Mr. Busuulwa (RIP), Mr. Mutumba (RIP); Mr. Sebastian Ddungu (Treasurer), Ssalongo Kizito, Mr. Muwonge, Mr. Musoke- Kazinga, Mr. Ssempala, Mr. Nsubuga (Malidaadi), Mr. Muliira, Mr. Kaboggoza, Mr. Kayiza ... May his souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in eternal peace. Amen.

The team of Christians worked like the apostles of Jesus and had a strong yearning for daily morning Masses. They thirsted for Christ. We also acknowledge the contributors from the Muslim community especially Haji Nasib (RIP), who supported the activities of establishing a catholic community with amazing zeal. They secured land, built the first church and Priests’ residence. They also established a school.

The Spirit of Teamwork in Bweyogerere.

The Christians exhibited a high spirit of team work and dedication to their faith. Considering their self-sacrifice and selflessness in building the Catholic faith in Bweyogerere, Msgr. Ssebayigga proposed the idea of lifting Bweyogerere Sub-Parish to a Parish status. Being in an influential church leadership position, Msgr. Ssebayigga knew about the plans of the Archdiocese to establish a new Parish and by the guidance of the Holy spirit, he rightly judged that Bweyogerere would be a better option. He loved Bweyogerere and desired so much that it becomes a Parish, although other priests preferred Banda. One of his strategies was to persuade the Archbishop to have some priests to stay in Bweyogerere so that the Christians could get daily Masses, which was another pre-requisite for establishing a Parish. As the flag bearer, Msgr. Ssebayigga used all possible strategies to realize the mission, including that of convincing the Archbishop to visit the Sub-Parish for a function, where he virtually knelt down and begged His Eminence to grant the parishioners the Parish status they so much desired. The name of Mgr. Ssebayigga rings freshly and constantly in the minds of the first parishioners as the key and instrumental player in the establishment of this great Parish.

In his efforts to establish a Parish at Bweyogerere, Mgr. Ssebayigga who was then the Vice Chancellor had to ensure that Bweyogerere had obtained at least one Priest. This was so because every Parish has to celebrate morning Masses daily and this required a resident Priest. Priests were will very scarce.

First Born Priest – A born of Luwero and Later Bweyogerere

Fr. Joseph Mukasa Muwonge’s ordination was timely to the advantage of Bweyogerere. Fr. Muwonge, who is a born of Luwero, had relocated to Bweyogerere during the time of insurgency. He with other priests like Fr. Kimuli, was under the care of Mr. and Mrs. Kirumira. Fr. Muwonge was ordained at Lubaga on August 15^th 1984. He then celebrated his first mass on August 16^th 1984, in Bweyogerere, where his foster parents were.

First Morning Mass

The dream was at last realized on the evening of August 16^th 1984, the church drums alerting Christians about the first ever morning Mass stared to gong in the Sub-Parish premises. It was all joy to realize the dream of having daily masses, which was long held and desired by the natives. Leaders mobilized the Christians to take interest in attending Mass. This was an essential step towards fulfilling yet another prerequisite towards obtaining a Parish status. The first morning Mass attracted about 200 people. This was already twice the required number of Christians to sustain the morning Mass. The numbers of Christians to attending the morning Masses shifted between 80 and 120. The morning Masses then began 6:30am to enable the Christians catch kayoola, the train for early-risers, which usually stopped at Kireka at 7:30am. In case of a delayed start or prolonged Mass, the Christians would trail out of the church at the hooting of the train, lest they would have to double transport fares. Transport by train was the most dominant and cheapest means of transport. There were fewer taxi-commuters to the city. Till this day, the number of people attending morning Mass has remained constant. However, due to traffic jam, many Christians are forced to leave their homes very early, with the option of attending the morning Mass at Christ the King Parish or other Parishes at their convenience.

First Resident Priests.

Fr. Muwonge, the newly ordained Priest started to reside at the Priests’ house in Bweyogerere in 1984. Being the only occupant, he needed company. Out of the love for Bweyogerere, Mgr. Ssebayigga had to commute from Namugongo to Bweyogerere daily to have breakfast with Fr. Muwonge, who had to celebrate Masses for the Christians. Several Priests serving in Lubaga and elsewhere had to travel to Bweyogerere to give company to Fr. Muwonge. Bweyogerere was not a very attractive residential area. It bore a rural ambiance. So some of the Priests sent to reside there were hesitating and opted to commute between their work stations and Bweyogerere. The Priests included Fr. Atanans Katende, Fr. Expedito Magembe (RIP) and Fr. Mukasa Nkeera of Lubaga. However, Fr. Muwonge stayed at Bweyogerere and committed himself to serving the Christians for a couple of months before he was officially posted to Nakibano after his ordination. The Christians were as generous as they are today. They used to contribute food for the Priests, and they had also manually worked to build the priests’ residence. Mr. Male, the brother of Mr. Tony Kaggwa is remembered for his mobilization skills and commitment.

Our Lady Consolata’s Intercession.

With the Priest’s residence in place, Msgr. Ssebayigga intensified the mission of pursuing the Parish status for Bweyogerere, after the ordination of Fr. Muwonge. The Archbishop of Kampala (AOK) then, Cardinal Emmanuel Nsubuga (RIP) asked him to write a report about the Christian Community in Bweyogerere, confirming both their seriousness and readiness to sustain a Parish. With the passion he had, Msgr. Ssabayigga accomplished this task in no time. Finally, after surveying the place, Bweyoygerere Sub-Parish was granted a Parish status. Before the Bweyogererians new, Maria Consolata was interceding that Bweyogerere becomes the first seat of consolation in Uganda.

First Consolata Missionaries in Uganda.

As local preparations to found a Parish in Bweyogerere were in full gear, high profile meetings were going on between the Consolata Regional Superiors based in Nairobi and Kampala Archdiocese leadership to negotiate the possibilities of creating a Consolata congregation in Uganda. In 1985, the Consolata Missionaries arrived in Uganda at the invitation of Kampala Archdiocese. The Consolata Missionaries were on a search for a place to establish their roots in Uganda. At the same time, the congregation of the servants of Mary, now in Kisoga, had also approached the Cardinal about establishing a parish in Bweyogerere. By God’s own plan, the cardinal considered the request by the Consolata missionaries. Careful dialogue and negation resulted into reducing the parishes of Namugongo, Mbuya, Bbiina and Namiryango to create Our Lady Consolata Bweyogerere Catholic Parish. Namugongo lost three outstations to Bweyogerere, that is, Bbuto, Kamuli and Bweyogerere. Kirinya Sub-Parish originally belonged to Bbiina but was then under the care of Mbuya Parish together with Kireka. In March 1985, the Consolata Missionaries took over the management of Bweyogerere. The Christians found several challenges arising from the changes but they soon learnt to accommodate and belong.

Our Lady Consolata Bweyogerere Catholic Parish was founded consisting of six (6) Sub-Parishes namely, St. Ponsiano Bbuto, St. Gonzaga Kamuli, St. May’s Kireka, St. Charles Lwanga Kirinya, St. Thomas Bweyogerere and Kiwanga. The latter Sub-Parish was later transferred to Lugazi Diocese. Kireka Sub-Parish, which was founded by the Comboni Missionaries in Mbuya Parish now became an entity of Bweyogerere Parish. The new Parish of Bweygerere by 2010 had expanded to seven Sub-Parishes with the addition of St. Yoana Maria Muzee Bukasa, Kireka Rehabilitation and the community of St. Noah Mawaggali Kasokoso with prospects of becoming a Sub-Parish. Due to state developments, Kireka Rehabilitation Sub-Parish was closed.

Fr. Barbante, borne of Italy and the first Parish Priest, started improving the place. Coupled with Fr. Ben Lubega, the first Ugandan Missionary Priest, the new Parish started to grow. St. Thomas Bazadde primary school soon came into establishment. Fr. Lubega being an industrious man, personally painted the school building. The priest did pastoral work, including supporting the needy, giving sacraments and developing the Parish. On October 6^th, 1984, Rev. Fr. Muwonge was happy to wed the first couple, Mr. and Mrs. Cyprian Anne Male in Our Lady Consolata Bweyogerere Catholic Parish. The Sub-Parish council continued with the management of Parish, under the leadership of Mr. Mutumba, who was Ssaabakristu of the Parish. The names of other Priests, Catechists and Ssaabakristus and their respective contributions to parish development are given ahead. The Parish has grown and thrived with the strength and light illuminate by the Charisma of the Consolata Missionaries.

Following the finest work so far done in Uganda by the Consolata Missionary congregation over the forty years, The Roman Catholic Church in Uganda has also expanded their territory by inviting them to open new Parishes at Kapeeka village, in Kasana-Luwero Diocese, Buluguyi in Jinja Diocese and a third one in Bbuto, Kampala Archdiocese.

At the time, Bweyogerere Parish invited the sisters of St. Joseph Tarbes to come to Uganda from India at both the agreement of the Parishioners and the good will of the Ordinary of Kampala Archdiocesan, then, the Late Bishop, Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.

The sisters who assumed full administration of St. Ponsiano Ngondwe Day and Boarding school have vast experience in formal education at all levels including counseling persons, whose life style have since been infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and related menace.

The Consolata Missionary Charisma on which Bweyogerere Parish was and is Built.

The purpose of Consolata Missionaries is reflected by their prime activities below:

1. The spread of the Gospel among non-Christians in an effort to form self-sustaining Communities mainly in Africa and South America.
2. To ensure integral development of people and their individual needs. To fulfill this, they have established schools for the needy; established clinics and hospitals centres. In Bweyogerere, concentration has been on building schools so far.
3. In America, missionary efforts are concentrated in the city suburb and slums, where ministry is performed among the people in isolated and unstructured Parishes.
4. First steps were made to Korea with the hope of serving the Gospel amidst the challenging cultures of the far East.

The Consolata Missionaries are characterized by the following core values, which they constantly endevour to emulate:

1. Love for the Blessed Mother, with whom they share the mission to take Christ, the true Consolation to the world.
2. Love the Holy Eucharist. St. Joseph Allamano, the founder and Priest for the mission, emphasized the centrality of Eucharist in his Christian life;“ I would like to make you all very devoted to the Holy Eucharist,” he often pleaded.
3. Commitment to Church’s work of evangelization.
4. Family Spirit. All brothers in the congregation accept each other as a family in the Lord’s name; they show concern for each other, live their mission united in mind and heart.
5. Manual work. As a tradition of the congregation, the Missionaries value and love work, including manual work as a way of contributing to human development and evangelization and to the smooth running of the community.

About St. Joseph Allamano: Not a missionary but the founder of the Consolata Mission

Early years.

1. Born at Casterlvuovo (Italy) on 21^st January 1851, his parents died when he was young.
2. Completed secondary school at the Salesian Oratory, where Don-Bosco, his spiritual Director wanted him to become a Salesian Priest; but he wanted to be a Diocesan Priest at first.
3. At the Salesian Oratory, he caught up the missionary spirit; developed interest and love for the mission, which he transformed into missionary vocation.

At one time his mother was very ill, paralyzed, blind, deaf and confined to her chair. In this condition, Considerate-Allamano wanted to be close her. But she selflessly advised him to consider whether priestly vocation was really his calling.

The Character of St. Joseph Allamano

His mission: Desire Revolved with God’s unfolding will

• To become a TRUE diocesan Priest.
• To become a TRUE missionary to take Christ to the non-Christians.
• Spiritual Director in a seminary where he excellently mentored seminarians with care and love.
• Administrator and Manager of Consolata Shrine and former convent (hospice for old priest), which had become a ruin, “The shack of the Consolata convent)
• Founder of the Consolata fathers (1901) and Consolata sisters (1901)
• Confessor and counselor – spiritual director to many religious congregations.

Lessons from St. Joseph Allamano

• Spending our life’s effort on worldly things that are not in line with God’s purpose for us increase chances of sin and lessens chances of pleasing God, which is the sole aim of our existence.
• In any work to be successful especially that is meant for God you need to pray much in order to know the will of God. Salvation is not a game of chance but a continuous struggle to cooperate with God.
• Whatever work you do, do it very well for the glory of God.

Our Christian Role.

• It is our duty to obey God’s will, and we must consult Him as our maker to guide us to know the purpose of our existence on earth. Start and do everything in prayer for God to show you the way to do, and have the will, open heart and mind to accept to be guided by God, the author and master of our lives.
• We should do the will of God with the aim of cooperating with God who desires so much to sanctify us and provide abundant life for us. Failing to realize and fulfill God’s purpose is to disadvantage one’s salvation. Life is worthwhile in as long as we use it for the service of God, others and ourselves. We ought to support one another but not judge or discourage. Mercy, love and prayer remain the best options available to us to support one another on the sometimes lonesome salvation journey.
• Enjoy supporting the mission in big and small ways without reservations. At baptism we shared in Christ’s calling and work to continue sanctifying, leading and teaching the pilgrim church.
• Each part of the Christian world is responsible for the non-Christian world; we should not only admire the missionaries but be ready to take ACTION and to make reasonable SACRIFICE to support the mission.

Introducing of the Small Christian Community system in Bweyogerere Parish.

Small Christian communities (SCC), community known as ‘budondo’ are the cells formed by a group of catholic families within the close neighborhood. Formation of Budondo was the initiative of Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala in 1995. At first the SCCs were large. Fr. Kwajaba was very instrumental in the establishment of new and strengthening of existing SCCs Fr. Kwajaba being the first African parish priest faced several challenges relating to the parishioners’ attitudes. Many Christians to this day believe that there is a lot of money from Rome and it is brought by non-African Missionaries, so it is common and normal for lay Christians to ask for support from the Parish Priest. All Parish Priests who have been at Bweyogerere Parish can testify to this reality. When the first African Priest arrived from Tanzania, expectant Bweyogererians were not amused. Fr. Kwajaba had to launch campaigns to sensitize parishioners to understand their missionary role in supporting the mission. It took continuous sensitization to help Christians appreciate the fact that Uganda had reachable Christian maturity to be self-sustaining and also a source of support for evangelization to other parts of the world. Today, there are rays of hope and growth in Christian beliefs regarding self-sustainability. With more teachings, the dependency syndrome will be overcome. Time will tell. The parish leadership has divided the SCCs further to ease pastoral work.

Introduction of Commission –System

In 2008/2009, Kampala Archdiocese introduced the commission system of church leadership as a way of ensuring quality and commitment to the broad responsibility of mother church. The commissions arise from the very work performed by Christ, the founder of the Catholic Church. The sanctifying commission seeks to continue Christ’s work of priesthood; the teaching commission emulates Christ the preacher and teacher, the governing commission imitates Christ’s role of kingship. Yes, mother church is on a continuous journey. While she steadily guards her tradition, she also appreciates and adapts change to fit in the modern times. In obedience to the church hierarchy and a spring to remain the flag bearer of Kampala Archdiocese, Bweyogerere parish promptly adopted the centralized leadership of the commissions. Based on division of labor, all church leaders belong to a specific commission and are assigned a specific role to play in building Christ’s kingdom. The system has revealed several areas that were not consciously attended to previously. The commission has to meet monthly, which has made the leaders slightly more committed to their respective commissions are mentioned a head.

Establishment of Sub-Parishes in our lady Consolata Bweyogerere Parish.

Sub-parishes were established at different times but all of them show areas of growth in worship, service and commitment to their faith. Young and old alike are involved in celebrating the death and resurrection of Christ in the Sunday Eucharist. The most outstanding achievement is that spiritual maturity exhibited in and voluntary participation in the Sunday Eucharist, receiving of sacraments and other church activities. Offertory and tithing has consistently grown to match the years of the parish existence.

The parish started with six (6) sub-parishes, but later Kireka Rehabilitation and Bukasa Sub-Parishes were established to make seven sub-parishes while Kiwanga was taken over by Lugazi Diocese. Kasokoso Community is projected as the eighth Sub-Parish to be born of Kireka Sub-Parish as of 2010 when we celebrated the Silver Jubilee.

The table below gives basic highlights about each Sub-parish.

The number of SCCs indicates the geographical size of the sub-parishes.

St. Ponsiano Ngondwe Bbuto Sub-Parish.

The current Church stands on the land offered by Mr. Paul Kamukamu. This land was offered by his elder brother Omutaka (Landlord)Esmansi Wasswa Guleke. Before Paul acquired the land title to legally own land, he offered it to the mission in Namugongo led by Fr. Line. Because Elder Esmansi Wasswa was honest, he allowed the to take off the land. It was surveyed in 1929 serving catchist. Fr. Line.

Christians started building a grass thatched Church. Mr. Daniel Ekittabusenze, a born of Bbusambu in Buleezi, was the first Catechist. Emmanuel Mugerwa was the second catechist and he later served in Munyonyo. Cyprian Kyamuleseresucceeded Emmanuel and is remembered as the longest He served for forty years (40).When Cyprian died, Mr. Fredrick Zziwa, who has struggled to develop Bbuto Sub parish , together with Mgr., Ssebayigga brought Ponsiano Kulizino. He is remembered for his devoted service to the church.

St. Thomas Bweyogerere Sub Parish

At first, the area of Bweyogerere was under Bbuto Sub-parish. The jpurney to Bbuto was long and the Christians in Bweyogerere area decided to break away from Bbuto and they started a Christian community church the way we saw it happened in Kasokoso in Kireka sub parish. It was started in a very humble way, similar to the way salvation began in cradle in Bethlehem. In 1956, the late Mr. Joseph Kamya Mukasa gave the catholic community a small piece of land behind the mosque that is cross the road just opposite to the then Allamano Parish Hall and second church (lately demolished after the Engineers condemned it as a liability to human lives). Masses were celebrated under the mango tree, so the name Kayembe. The Kayembe church was later upgraded into a tiny mud and wattle iron-roofed church with a three-roomed classroom block close to it. Mr. Cosmas Lwanga donated all the iron sheets that roofed the first mud and wattle church.

Mgr. Lawrence Mbwega, who was the parish priest of Namugongo at the time, was extremely happy to have an additional community church started in Bweyogerere.

He was committed to coming to celebrate masses and to baptize children. After eight years, Mr. Joseph Kamya, who had offered that land opted to reclaim it for his own reasons? The Christians painfully unroofed the church and demolished it. Nonetheless, the beloved Thomas Bazitya, out of his love for God and the church, sympathized with the Christians and offered 50 decimals of his land. After registering the land, Christians were scattered as they sought other churches where to attend masses, since there was no church yet.

A meeting was called to discuss the building of a relatively bigger church, the present Allamano Hall. Many Christians offered financial support and materials in kind to have the second church built. Among the key donors, were Mr. Lawrence Musoke, Mr. Maurice Kamya, Mr. Alippo Mudiima and Mr. Atanansi Lubowa. Also, Mr. Cosmas Lwanga offered iron sheets to roof half of the church.

In 1966, the school went up to p.6 in 1968, his Eminence Cardinal Emmanuel Nsubaga paid a pastoral visit to Bweyogerere. He was pleased with the efforts of the Christians and he promised to support in all possible ways including prayers. The cardinal visited Bweyogerere again in 1973 and advised them to build a priest’s house promising to find aa resident priest to offer daily masses. The Christians were overjoyed at his fatherly suggestion. This boosted more Christians to come for masses. They demonstrated a high spirit of unity and commitment. They offered financial and voluntary service with one mind and heart.

After securing the plan, construction of the priests’ house started in 1978. It was built on voluntary basis. We had received another pp by name of Mgr. Joseph Ssebayigga, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the community develops. With great honor we recognize and appreciate the tremendous job accomplished by the late Edward Kalule who took over as Ssabakristu from Mr. Cosmas. Mr. Kalule, proprietor of the pottery in Namanve, offered all the iron-sheets that roofed the current priests’’ house and met all the roofing costs since Christians were exhausted.

The Bweyogererians, the giants now, are humbled to recognize and remember the selfless efforts and contributions of Mr. Micheal Kibuuka the very first Ssabakristu (RIP), Mr. Cosmas Lwanga – second Ssaabakristu (RIP), Paul Kigenyi, Catechist (RIP) Dozere Musoke (RIP) Assistant catechist Mr. Thomas Bazitya (RIP) who donated the land where the current church and school are situated. The sub-parish and school were named after this generous believer. We also salute Mr. Sebastian Ddungu, Mr. Kayiza and Mr. Atanansi Lubowa (RIP) with others who embarked on the task of building the current parish church.

It is unfortunate that most of the people identified with the founding of this Sub-Parish passed away, except Mr. Sebastian Ddungu. For the deceased, we are indebted to remember them always in our prayers, especially during the month of November. What can we pay for the great gift of this Sub-Parish that has evolved out of their selflessness? We recognize the relatives of the deceased families here present. May you share in the reward -- please receive God’s blessing today and evermore. Let us glorify and sing praises to the Lord for the glorious Bweyogerere, the famous Arch Sub-Parish, as the Parishioners always pride in it.

St. Gonzaga Gonza Kamuli started as Christian community of believers in 1952 and became a fully-fledged Sub-Parish of Namugongo Parish in 1959, and later was transferred to Bweyogerere Parish in the early 80s.

The Sub-Parish was started by the late Simon Kiwanuka Sikisiima(RIP) the first Catechist and Head of Laity. In 1952, he acquired a one-acre piece of land where he constructed a school of three streams. The school was used as a church on Sundays. When his request to acquire land and construct a church at the place where St. Gonzaga was martyred was rejected, he decided to donate his land and school he had constructed for the church. In 1959, Kamuli Sub Parish became a Sub-Parish under Namugongo Parish and construction of the church started with construction materials donated by Mr. Sikisiima, which had been offered to him following his retirement from the Forest department.

The church was completed in 1969 and was blessed by the late Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga (RIP). This church is now renamed Sikisiima Hall and is currently used as a Nursery school. Mr. Sikisiima died on August 14, 1980 after suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes. When his heir sold all the land including the burial grounds, the Christians from the Sub-Parish requested the Parish to allow him bury him at the church.

In 1982, Kamuli Sub-Parish was transferred from Namugongo parish to Bweyogerere parish under the Consolata Missionaries. The Christians embarked on construction of the new church and funds were mobilized through pledges and fundraisings. We sincerely remember and thank the late Fr. Barabanti (RIP) who mobilized funds from Rome to roof the church. The church was blessed by Msgr. Alex Mukasa on 26^th May 1986. In1987 St. Gonzaga primary school was expanded to seven classes following support from the Consolata Missionaries who provided funds to the Sub-Parish to purchase land form Mr. Musoke Zaake.

Currently the Sub-Parish is divided into nine small Christian communities and in view of the increasing catholic population; the church could no longer accommodate all Christians and a majority were praying from outside. In this respect the various Sub-Parish leadership embarked on expansion of the church.

Heads of Laity who have led the Sub-Parish.

We recognise and appreciate the service rendered by the Lay leaders, which has resulted in the current development at their home Parishes and at Bweyogerere Parish. Simon Kiwanuka Ssekisiima –RIP; Andrew Bbosa (RIP); Mrs. Ethel Kiwanuka (RIP); Ssalongo Serafino Sserunkuuma; Mr. Benedict M. Maloba; Ssalongo Steven Katumba; Dr. Francis Sserwadda; Benedict Mudiima; Njuki (Bosnum); Ronald Kasozi and Mr. Katumba (current)

Catechists that have Served in Kireka Centenary Church

Simon Kiwanuka Sikisiima (RIP); James Ssempijja (RIP); Francis Xiavier Kasiriivu Walubungo, Joseph Kambugu and Benedict Ssebaggala, assisted by Ms Namande Gorreti (current).

Noteworthy achievements.

1. Educational institutions; St Gonzaga Gonza Kamuli Sub Parish.
2. St. Gonzaga Gonza Nursery school
3. Construction of a new church
4. Construction of a Priests’ house
5. Teacher’s House costructed.

St Mary’s Centenary Catholic Church Kireka Sub parish, under the patronage of Mary Immaculate, was once an out station of the Comboni Missionary Parish of Mbuya in the 1970s but was later transferred to Bweyogerere Parish in 1985. On one memorable Saturday in March 1973, Rev.Fr. Paul S’erra the parish priest (pp) of Our lady of Africa Mbuya Parish and Rev. Sr. Atwantines embarked on a house to house move targeting individuals Catholics requesting them to join them for Sunday prayers at Mr. and Mrs. Kabengwa’s compound. Mr. Cornelius Masiga was one of the catholics visited. As he narrates, this was good news to the Catholics because this would save them from traveling long journeys. At that time, the closet parishes were Mbuya, Naggulu and Namugongo. The Catholics who were insignificant and under cover, believed that Kireka was predominantly an Anglican entity since they had elected St. Stephen’s church. The Muslims were many and SDA were famous for their Dispensary. The Catholics rejoiced and supported the developments because, at last, their identify would soon manifest and their presence felt.

Every Sunday the Catholic community in Kireka received a Priest or a nun to lead the prayers. The prominent couples were Messrs Kabengwa; Gabriel Lwanga the Bulumas, Bazileo Katongole and Bazelio Kiwanuka and their wives. The candle lit by Fr. S’erra sustained its soft flames but later the community grew. The Catholics discovered and mobilized each other to form a Christian community in 1974. The number grew from 40 to 100. The acts of charity exhibited by the Comboni missionary fathers from Mbuya ushered a spirit of togetherness. They visited homes, helped the poor and promised to build a primary school to shorten the distances children.

Around March 1974, Fr. S’erra requested the Christians to find land, where they could build a primary school. The idea was welcomed with much excitement and a lady commonly known as Theresa sold her Kibanja to the church. In 1977 the catholic community had 3 acres of land where St. Matia Mulumba Primary School is situated. A semi-permanent two-roomed classroom was built to double as a school during week days and as a church on Sundays. Br. Bruno constructed a two roomed permanent classroom. Fr. Sierra, the Parish Priest of Mbuya who was leaving then, broke the news about the plan to build 5 churches in Kampala Archdiocese as Souvenirs for the Centenary celebrations since the arrival of the first Catholic Missionaries. Mbuya Parish was asked to identify a Sub-Parish for the centenary church. Kireka won the tender among the 8 Sub Parishes of Mbuya on two grounds, it had enough land and it was in a strategic place for the future growing Kampala. So, the name of St. Mary’s Centenary Catholic Church originates from its purpose of a souvenir for 100 years.

A construction committee led by Mr. J.C Masiga was set up to spear headed the building of the Centenary Church for Mbuya Parish. Other members of the committee were Messrs. Kiyaga of Bugoloobi (RIP) as Vice, Uteke of Kitintale as Chairman Finance, Vincent Kirabokya Maria as Adviser to the committee, David Nkojjo and Edward Mulosi as Ssabakristu and Treasure of Mbuya parish respectively. The construction of the church commenced, following the laying of a foundation stone by the Late Cardinal Emmanuel Nsubuga in 1980.

Mr. C.J. Masiga voluntarily took on the role of engineering the construction after receiving regret from Br. Coppin. Lay Christians contributed significantly to the building of the church through Sunday collections and auctions. The construction of the foundation hardly took two months due to the outstanding spirit of voluntarism and generosity. Individual Christians could bring men to excavate the foundation at their own cost, which reflected a high spirit of commitment to their faith, hence attracting admiration from other sects.

In 1981, the Christians spotted and purchased another plot where our lady Consolata SSS stands. Kireka, though not yet a Sub-Parish had great dreams including building nursery and Technical schools, a dispensary and becoming Parish one day. The Comboni/Verona fathers paid for the land with the hoping that they would stay in Kireka if it became a parish.

In 1982, the construction of the centenary church was on a stand still due to shortage of funds. The Christians were building a nursery school in partnership [p with save the children Christian Fund. Mrs. Margret Massiga, the HM of St Matia Mulumba then, is remembered for her effort to put up the Nursery school. In 1982, while on his pastoral visit in Mbuya, the Cardinal was invited to bless the structure then at over site concrete level. His presence along with his friends boosted the fundraising on top of the funds solicited from abroad by the PP, Fr. G. Previdi.

In 1983, St. Matia Mulumba was registered as a full primary school with two permanent classroom blocks. 1984 was a busy year with preparations to consecrate the church. The Cardinal gave a condition to have a young man prepared to keep the church as a catechist, since it was to have the blessed sacrament. Mr. Francis Sseguya was approved as the catechist and is still serving to date. The church was consecrated on July 22 1984 by Bishop Emeritus Joseph Mukwaya of Kiyinda Mityana and was dedicated to saints Matia Mulumba and Charles Lwanga. In 1985, Kireka Sub-Parish became a territory of our Lady Consolata Bweyogerere catholic parish, under Fr. Luigi Barabante, a Consolata Father.

Ssaabakristu and other leaders who contributed greatly to the establishment and development of Kireka Sub-Parish, under Mbeya and Bweyogerere Parishes respectively; and later as a Parish: Ms Sodonia Nabantanzi (1977-1979) r. Gabriel Lwanga (2^nd); Mr. John Cornelius Masiga (1979); Mr. Bazerio Katongole (1996); Mr. William Kalule October (2008-2010) key administrations. The number of Christian families grew.

1. A priest born of the area of Kasokoso Rev. Fr. Humphrey Kasozi Gulu
2. Our lady Consolata SSS (O’ Level 1991-1994; to A’ level in 1996). The school was opened by HE president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. At this time Mr. Bazelio Katongole was the Ssaabakristu.
3. St. Matia Mulumba primary school day and boarding school.
4. Mary Immaculate nursery school

1. Multi-purpose Hall with Sub-Parish offices.
2. Bookshop selling Religious books and sacramentals.
3. Night car parking project.

The Birth of Kireka Rehabilitation Centre Sub-Parish – Holy Trinity. Kireka Rehabilitation centre was situated in Kireka Industrial Rehabilitation centre which is a Government Institute for training people with disabilities.

Because of the number of Catholic students including a majority of the staff, the community felt the need to come together as Catholic believers and have the prayers of rosary and share the word of God especially on Sundays. While, other able people who lived in this Centre would find their way out for prayers or Masses in nearby Sub-Parishes around, the people with disabilities could remain indoors and could only gather in one of their dormitories to say he rosary which was always led by one of the students by name of Faustine Odubuwun, who later became the catechist. This dates back to 1981.

Then one time an Italian, Comboni missionary Priest by name Rev. Fr. Ponsiano Vellunto, brought some of the disabled boys whom he was taking care of for training in the Centre. Then some few of us including Faustine Odubuwun felt that there was need to approach this Priest with some humility to suggest to him as to whether he could be in position to bring to the people in the Centre especially those people with disabilities who are unable to go out for Mass on Sundays, Mass celebration or to share the word of God. Fortunately, he responded very positively and this made everything easier since he was the Comboni International scolarsticate of seminarians, together with him leading them, started saying Mass celebrations every Sunday in the Centre.

To many of the people with disabilities and other people who lived in the Centre, this was the beginning of re awakening of their faith that had laid dormant for quite a long time And due to the revival of the people’s faith, many activities, to mention but a few, such as Bible studies, practicing songs for Eucharistic celebration and visiting people with disabilities and other able bodied Christians in their respective homes to share with them their Christian experiences etc. were done every Saturday in the afternoon. In so doing those who needed support spiritually or materially were registered according to their respective needs. In 1981 Fr. Ponsiano celebrated the first Mass ever in the Centre up to 1987 when the Comboni Scholasticate had to leave Kampala for Nairobi and the community had to remain with the Comboni missionary novitiate whose service to the Centre was not up to date because they could sometime take long to appear for Sunday Mass or service. Later they also abandoned their service in the Centre and the Centre lost contact with them.

As soon as there was no more contact with the Comboni Novitiate the community realized that there was need to constitute a kind of leadership to direct spiritual and material needs which were already going on well. The late Charles Baziro as chairman and Faustine Odubuwun (RIP) was elected to head liturgy and in charge of the choir. Various people were elected to various posts in the executive. These people continued to work harder to see that the work started should not stop especially of making sure that service every Sunday should not miss Thanks to Faustine Odubuwun who was there always to lead.

When the leadership had been instituted, an attempt to approach the Parish Priest of Namugongo was done. As the community continued to grow, the service conducted at the Centre begun to attract many people outside the Centre especially those who did not know Luganda.

In 1985 was a year of great change to the community, because it was in this year that Bweyogerere became a parish and Consolata Fathers took charge and now once again the community in the Centre could have Mass celebrations on Sundays at least once or twice a month. This continued up to the time when we had a sudden death of our beloved chairman who had also become the Catechist temporarily. This happened in 1994.

In this very year after the death of the catechist the Parish Priest of Bweyogerere , the then Rev. Fr. Mark together with his curette, Rev.Fr. Ouma Mathew, after studying and assessing the growth and commitment of the Christians and how lively they participated in the liturgy and other programs of the Parish, agreed to lift the community to the level of a sub parish but a sub parish without demarcations due to the nature of Christians who always come for Mass in the centre and also assigned to serve all those living in Bweyogerere Parish who did not speak or followed Mass in Luganda but could follow in English. The RP immediately appointed Faustine Odubuwun to be., the Catechist of the Centre. He also told the Christians to elect a new leadership. Mr John Aliabu was elected the First head of laity and other members were elected to the executive.

From 1994 to 2001, the continuous presence of Rev. Fr. Ouma every Sunday made a tremendous progress in the Spiritual life and life and growth of the Sub Parish as a whole. This made many more activities to take shape including full representative of the Sub Parish at the Parish. Children and adult instruction was done in preparation for sacraments, anointing of the sick, Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage.

Some of the activities that took shape included:

1. Institution of leadership which made mobilization and continued education and instructions in the catholic faith enabling people to grow in faith.
2. Being able to share the Word of God and keeping their identity as Catholics and converting many adults into the Catholic faith. In this many were able to receive sacraments.
3. Many lay Catholic movements were also started at the Centre viz: Catholic Charismatic Renewal, legion of Mary, Youth apostolate, Missionary children, all living to their Charismas.
4. Formation of a vibrant choir, the Holy Trinity Choir, leading people to a vibrant participation during Mass celebrations. This choir has attracted people to the Centre for Sunday Masses.

The following people have served as Heads of Laity:

1. Mr. John William Aliabu (Blind) First Head of Laity
2. Mr. Jacob Any war 2001---2004 Elected in accordance with the guide lines of the Diocese. He passed away in 2004.
3. Mr. John Etengu replaced Jacob Anywar but transferred before his term expired.
4. Mr. Jimmy Ogwetha - Acted as Head of Laity
5. Mr. John Okiror - Current Head of Laity (2008 to date)

St. Charles Lwanga Kirinya Sub-Parish

St. Charles Lwanga Kirinya Sub-Parish has a long History with ups and downs. It is situated on 5 acres of land, with a Church, primary school and vocational school structures. The land was donated by Omutaka [an Elder who is a Milo land title owner] Baluti Kyali Kitaka in 1920. He owned Kirinya mailo land.

Kirinya Sub-Parish was relocated following an outbreak of an epidemic. The Christians approached Omutaka Kitaka to give them another place and gave them a place in Namboole, where the Martyrs’ Clinic is currently found. Kirinya and Namugongo Sub-Parishes were outstations of Nsambya Parish. In 1935, Namugongo became a Parish with Kirinya, still in Namboole, as one of its outstations. The Parish Priest of Namugongo sent Mr. Nicholas Ndikola Ziriddamu, along with his wife Ms. Bernadette Nakate, to serve as a Catechist.

The Parish Priest of Namugongo had plans to build a permanent Church to replace the grass thatched mud and wattle Church in Namboole. In 1940, Nicholas, the Catechist advised that the Sub-Parish be transferred back to its origin in Kirinya. The land must have been in a more strategic place with less risks of being evicted with the threatening urban developments. It was also bigger than that ‘of Namboole. Relocating to Kirinya meant praying under the Kirundu tree! After a while, the Christians put up a grass thatched Church of mud and wattle.

Mr. William Kayongo’s residence near the Sub-Parish was timely. Compassionate about the children, he mobilized Christians to put up a Nursery school to save the little ones from walking the long journey to Namugongo till they were of reasonable age and after attaining basics in numeracy and literacy. By 1967, the Church had been improved. Though it was made of mud and wattle, it had a roof made of iron sheets. Now the small Church stood in the sides of a four-classroom block school made of mud and wattle. Two classes were taken care of by government while two ere r the hands of the parents. Sometimes, the Christians prayer from the school block, probably due to the small Church. In 1969, Mr. John Ssentamu identified people and convinced them to become Trustees for the school under the patronage of St. Joseph. So, a seven-member committee of trustees was instituted to raise funds to support six parents. The members were Messrs. John Ssentamu, Alikaadi Musoke, Nsubuga, Namungo, Albert Sserwanga, Mmere and Stephano Kibirango. Mr. William Lwanga joined then-later. Mr. Lulyawo was the headmaster.

As the Church grew, Ssalongo J. Kikongoliro with six other members namely; Modesta Matovu, Bonny Kiwanuka, Dick Ssekitooleko, Ssemulwadde, Margaret (R.I.P), and Mutyaba started the first Sub-Parish choir in 1974. It was called St. Joseph’s Choir Kirinya and later called the Good Samaritan Choir.

In 1974, lay leaders were appointed. The elected leaders were: Messrs G. W. Lutwama- Ssabakristu, G. Kizito (R.I.P)- Treasurer, S. Kibirango- Secretary, and JC Muwanga (R.I.P). P. Lubega, F. Kabuuka, Mere (R.I.P). P. Kabanda and Basaka Basaanya (R.I.P). as committee members. Mr. Lutwama under minute 3/1977 floated the motion of constructing a new Church of at least 27ft by 70ft, to accommodate the Christians. The committee agreed to build a Church in the shape of a cross. In the same year, construction of c new Church block started. During this period, prices shot up complicating Church construction. The price of cement rose from Ushs. 12 to Ushs. 40. Offertory in those days could fetch a total of Ushs. 3 to 6 on ordinary Sundays and Ushs. 12 on big days like Easter and Christmas. In o ‘after meeting, the committee resolved to postpone Church construction till the prices went down.

By 1977, the number of Christians had grown and the Church became very small. The Sub-Parish had lost the Catechist, Mr. Ndikola, creating a gap in communication. Volunteers came up to support including Messrs. Alikadl Musoke, G. W. Lutwama and Charles Nsubuga. In 1987 they agreed to build the Church after consultation and the Parish Council, and Fr. Barabante, the PP, permittee the Sub-Parish to continue with Church construction on given conditions. The work was not easy due to scarcity of funds. Construction was done in phases determined by the funds available. The committee sat to decide the next step after raising a sum of money. At beam ring level, Fr. Mark offered support on behalf of the Consolata Fathers and the monthly auctions stopped. In addition, Fr. Mark dug a borehole to provide safe water. The Parishioners are indebted to the congregation for the great love and spirit of service shown. The Church was consecrated on August 10, 1997 by Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, the Arch-bishop of Kampala Archdiocese.

Since then, the Christians have contributed in several ways: buying Church seats, renovating the Church (inside and outside), installing burglar proofs, tiling the sanctuary, building teachers’ quarters, and re-roofing the school, following the rains of 1997, which unroofed it. The Christians appreciate the support from Kira LC III, Nambole Rotary Club, Mpigi LC V and Rev. Fr. Kayizzi who donated $ 500, through his American friends. The Sub-Parish is proud of the Kirinya Students’ Association (KOSA), which has raised funds to construct the head teacher’s residence, awaiting plastering and closure today (2010).

Noteworthy achievements

1. Educational Institutions: St. John’s Primary School Kirinya and Vocational Training School.
2. A Priest born of the area - Rev. Fr. Richard Kayizzi of the Bisimbeko family ordained in 2007.
3. Head teacher’s residence constructed
4. Formation of Kirinya Old Students’ Association -KOSA

Parish Priests of Bweyogerere Parish

The Parish has grown and developed out of the concerted effort and strong foundation laid by the past and present Parish Priests. Working with the Faithful and Parish leadership councils, each Parish Priest has contributed to the continuation of Mission Consolata by building on the work of his predecessors, a virtue which is honoured by the Catholic Church. As a Parish, we remember the services and contributions of each Priest. Please allow me to site a few:

1. Rev. Fr. Luigi Barbanti (1985-1989) Founded Our Lady Consolata Catholic Parish in 1985 and first Parish Priest. He contributed greatly to the building of the Church, St. Thomas Bazadde Primary School and Our Lady Consolata SSS Kireka. Made connections to have boreholes all over Bweyogerere community. He had a special talent of depicting underground water sources. He established a vocational Training School to support the skilling of young men and women for productivity.

2. Rev. Fr. Anthony Rovelli - Matovu (1989- 1995) is remembered so much for his social connections that saw him build the spirit of ecumenism. His name rings fresh in the ears of several Muslim and Protestant believers in Bweyogerere. He worked with Fr. Barbanti to build the Church and Our Lady Consolata SSS — Kireka. He worked hard to solicit funds since the local Donations were not forthcoming them. In addition, he worked with the faithful to establish St. Mata Mulumba Primary School in Kireka Sub-Parish, now a Parish. He established

3. Rev. Fr. Mark Bangrol (1995-1996) built on the work done by the first two Consolata Missionaries. He is remembered for having realized the dream of the first two Parish Priests to bring safe water to Bweyogerere by digging boreholes.

4. Rev. Fr. Vedustus Kwajaba — The first African PP hailed from Tanzania (1996-2004). He is well remembered for nurturing the spirit of self-sacrifice and generosity. Being the first African, he met several financial challenges an adopted to organize teachings about sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Mass, tithing and offertory. The teachings done in all Sub-Parishes shifted the mindset of Parishioners to understand their role in building mother Church through financial and material support. By so doing, he built the lay missionary spirit. He also worked tirelessness to increase Christians’ commitment to their local Church by strengthening SCCs through grass-root evangelization. At first, many Christians lived in Bweyogerere but prayed outside it. It was during his term that the 2^nd Mass in English was initiated. This attracted many Christians who were praying elsewhere to return home.

5. Rev. Fr. Stephen Korambu Murithi -Nsubuga (2004-2008). During his regime, Fr. Murithi built on what Rev. Fr. Vedastus Kwajaba had started on to nurture Parishioners faith in terms of honoring Sacraments. Through his preaching and teaching, Fr. Stephen emphasized the value of sacraments in the life of a Christian. Fr. Murithi invested much effort and energy in educating Christians to respect all sacraments and give time for them as the very foundation of the Catholic faith. Through sacraments our lives are fueled up and rehabilitated. Parents were encouraged to prioritise baptism Mass instead of spending time cooking and arrive late. For his special charisma for sacraments, he asked for permission to build an adoration chapel in Bweyogerere, which was granted. He embarked on its construction but it was completed in his absence. The adoration chapel attracts the faithful from other Parishes and non-Catholics find solace on Jesus’ feet.

6. Rev. Fr. Chrispine Okello - Kasule (2008- 2012). As Parish Priest of Bweyogerere he nurtured the spirit of love and unity among Parishioners. As Catholics, we are a family of God irrespective of color, language economic or social status. He has put much strength on building systems and procedures. He is worked with the Parish Council to streamline administrative procedures for better management and improved service, especially to the needy. He nurtured and brought to reality Fr. Stephen’s dream of building and adoration Chapel which was sanctified and officially opened by Mgr. Charles Kasibante on 4^th October, 2008, after the initiator had left. During his term, Fr. Chrispine and his Executive worked towards the establishment of St Mary’s Centenary Parish, Kireka.

7. Rev. Fr. Leo Bagenda (2012 – 2022)

   Fr. Leo Bagenda Legacy is fresh in our minds. He was a Parish Priest of transformation. His pace and standards drove Parishioners to shift their mindsets. He started his mission by constructing the Tegula house. From a small shelter for to the tall Tegula House, the Presbytery was greatly transformed. It was one of the best Priests’ houses in the Diocese. It is now a culture as several other Parishes have emulated the practice of constructing beautiful houses for their Priests. Fr. Leo organized the ordination of Rev. Fr. Joseph Caesar Walusimbi on September 14^th 2013. The memory lingers fresh in our minds.

   Fr. Leo’s stay worked towards the founding of St. Mary’s Centenary Church Kireka on 24^th March, 2014 and St. Gonzaga Gonza Kamuli Parish by His Grace Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga (RIP). This was the second Parish born by Our Lady Consolata but taken by the Diocesan administration along with the Primary Schools attached to them. Fr. Leo worked diligently to found another Parish in the name of St. Ponsiano Bbuto Parish. The first Parish Priest was Rev. Fr. Anthony Kazibwe who handed it over to Rev. F. Kizito Mukalazi in 2024, the sitting Parish Priest. It may be remembered that St. Ponsiano Ngondwe Bbuto Parish was blessed on 12^th June, 2021 during the COVID-19 outbreak by His Grace Paul Ssemogerere. It is during the peak of COVID-19, that the foundation stone in Kirinya was installed. Fr Leo also started the construction of the Parish Hall, which was completed by the current Parish Priest. Fr. Leo is very much remembered for his instrumentalism in continuing with construction works in Kirinya and Bbuto, ferrying food and distributing it to the people of God without discrimination.

8. Rev. F. Paul Murithi (2021-2022)

   For the short period he served as Parish Priest, Fr Paul had made plans to renovate the Parish church, beautification of premises and equipping youths with skills through partnerships with vocational institutions. He did not enact most of his plans as his term as Parish Priest was short-lived.

9. Rev. Fr. Joseph Walusimbi (2022 - To-date)

   Fr. Walusimbi is the sitting Parish Priest as we celebrate 40 years of evangelization by the Consolata Missions. Ever since he took office, Fr. Caesar has been transforming Bweyogerere Parish with missionary zeal. The Parish Priest started by beautifying the church premises by planting flowers and paving. He then proceeded to solve the water and electricity challenges of the Parish. He launched a water harvesting system and 5,000 litre reservoir. He also installed solar and security systems. The solar lighting and water harvesting systems have since reduced the domestic expenditures at the Presbytery. The Parish Priest has worked with the Sub-Parish leadership to complete the Parish Hall, build toilets for guests and continue the expansion of Bukasa Sub-Parish land, as well as church construction in St. Charles Lwanga Kirinya and St. Yoana Maria Mzee –Bukasa. As part of the preparation for Bweyogerere @40, the Parish Priest and Executive Committee agreed to rebuild the perimeter wall of the Presbytery, replace the gate at the main entrance and also fix a gate on the entrance from the church. This was intended to intensify security. More has been done to have the store and buoy’s quarter renovated for domestic use. With the leadership of the Parish Priest, the Parishioners are raising funds to have the Parish church expanded from a sitting capacity of 500 to 2000 people. One of the main events of celebrating the Ruby Jubilee is to launch the construction works.

   In order to support wellbeing of Christians and families, a SACCO was started with a membership that is over 600 in a span of a year. Membership to the SACCO is no discriminatory in effort to address the spirit of ecumenism.

   We invite you to support and invest in the SACCO a well as contribute towards contraction

Priests who have served in the position of Curate

We remember with much appreciation all the Assistant Parish Priests who have done pastoral work in families, Small Christian Communities and schools. These include: Rev. Fr. Charles Jjagwe (RIP), Rev. Fr. Sseriiso, Rev. Fr. James Munene, Rev. Fr. Fredrick Ndirangu, Rev. Fr. Gumersindo, Rev. Fr. Jacob Ndonga (current Curate). The Late Fr. Julius Maina was always part of the Bweyogerere Community and is remembered for being close to the young, old and youth.

Other Priests who have stayed and served in Bweyogerere

These include: Rev. Fr. Joseph Mukasa-Muwonge; Rev. Fr. Joseph Mukasa-Nkeera; Rev. Fr. Expedito Magembe (RIP) used to commute from Bweyogerere when he was working in the Education Office; Rev. Fr. Kateregga – offered regular morning Masses and Rev. Fr. J.C. Ssebaana. Bweyogerere is always blessed to receive Priests from other Dioceses of Parishes from within Kampala to celebrate Mass with us. We do not take this gesture for granted.

Ssaabakristus who have served in Bweyogerere

1. Mr. Mutumba – the first Ssabakristu of the Parish. He was the current Ssabakrsitu of Bweyogerere Sub-Parish before it was elevated to the level of
2. Mr. Edward Lwanga – 1997-2002; 2002- 2008 (served for two consecutive terms and is so far the longest serving Ssabakristu 5+7= 12 years)
3. Mrs. Scolastica L. Nasinyama — October 2008-2013 (1^st female Ssabakristu)
4. Mr. Joseph Ssekandi (2013-2018)
5. Mrs. Norah Luyombo Mukasa (2019-2023)
6. Ms. Caroline N. Kavuma (2024-2028)

Catechists

Below are the catechists that have served in Our Lady Consolata Bweyogerere Catholic Parish

These Catechists have voluntarily served God by devoting most of their time to teach catechism to children at church and in schools. They are fish for souls and have them receive Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage. In this way, Catechists and string pillars of the church.

Education Institutions Founded by Bweyogerere Parish

Depending on the land available, the Parish has established school in different Sub-Parishes:

1. St. Thomas Bazadde (Kayembe) – Bweyogerere (Operational)
2. Our Lady Consolata Nursery School – Bweyogerere (was closed following the demolition of the three-classroom block during the construction of St. Barbante Parish Hall. There are plans to reconstruct another Kindergarten in future)
3. Our Lady Consolata Senior Secondary School – Kireka (Handed over to Kireka Parish)
4. St. Mary Immaculate Nursery and Day Care Centre- Kireka(Handed over to Kireka Parish)
5. St. Matia Mulumba Day and Boarding Primary School (Started by te natives and was expanded by the Consolata Missionaries when they took over Kireka Sub-Parish in 1985. The school was handed over to Kireka Parish)
6. St. Ponsiano Ngondwe Mixed Day and Boarding Primary School – Bbuto (Handed over to Bbuto Parish)
7. St. Charles Lwanga Vocational Training Institute - Kirinya (Closed tentatively)
8. St Joseph Primary School Kirinya (Running)
9. St. Gonzaga-Gonza Primary School- Kamuli (Handed over to Kamuli Parish)

We acknowledge the generous Spirit if the Missionaries who willingly hand over property to other missionaries or dioceses. There is a lot to learn from the missionary ways of life and their works. Young men and women are called upon to join this generous congregation of Consolata Fathers and Sisters.

Compiled by Caroline N. Kavuma