Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal Inaugurates New Parish
Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal Inaugurates New Parish
By Clare/Fort Portal
The Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal has inaugurated its second parish of 2024, St. Mary’s Kigarama, carved from Bukwali Parish. This brings the total number of parishes to 36. The event was marked by joy and celebrations, with Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki leading the inauguration ceremony in Holy Mass.
The occasion was graced by Uganda’s Prime Minister, Hon. Robina Nabbanja, who praised the Catholic Church for its efforts in holistic transformation. She urged religious leaders to collaborate with the government in promoting economic development through their initiatives.
Bishop Muhiirwa, in his remarks, praised the Carmelites for their commitment to the Diocese of Fort Portal, expressing hope that their presence would help transform Kigarama into a vibrant center of evangelization and salvation.
He appointed Fr. James Rinoj CMI as the inaugural Parish Priest and Fr. Biju Lukose CMI as the Curate.
Rev. Fr. Moses Mutangirizi, Parish Priest of Bukwali, the mother parish of Kigarama, expressed gratitude to the pioneer priests for their dedication in coming from India to serve God in Fort Portal. He assured them of full cooperation in advancing God’s work and the parishioners to work hard to sustain them.
Mr. Richard Rwabuhinga, the Kabarole District Chairperson and head of the organizing committee, urged the parishioners to embrace unity and diversity, focusing on spiritual and economic growth. He thanked Bishop Muhiirwa, the parishioners, and everyone involved for making the day a success, and pledged full support in helping Kigarama thrive.
Rev. Fr. James Rinoj, the new Parish Priest of Kigarama, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome from the parishioners and the Diocese, particularly Bishop Muhiirwa, for his fatherly guidance. He encouraged the parishioners to continue their enthusiasm in building Kigarama as a center for evangelization.
Hon. Tom Butime Ateenyi, Hon. Victoria Businge Rusoke, and Hon. Margaret Muhanga, who were also in attendance, congratulated the Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal on the inauguration of the new parish.
Prime Minister Nabbanja also issued a clear warning to those charging school fees in government-aided schools, regarding such actions as illegal. She stressed that keeping children in school is a critical tool in the fight against poverty.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by numerous faithful, ministers, and local leaders, marking a significant milestone in the growth and development of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal.