Masaka–Kampala Catholic Community Holds the 2025 Final Mass on All Souls’ Day

Photos by: Emmanuel Matovu, UCO

The Masaka–Kampala Catholic Community on Sunday, November 2, 2025, gathered at Bishop Ddungu Memorial Gardens in Nsambya for their last Mass of the year, which coincided with All Souls’ Day, a special day dedicated to praying for the departed. The celebration was led by Rev. Fr. Dr. J.B. Kaganda, and the main pilgrims were Christians from Buyamba Parish in Masaka Diocese. The faithful carried candles which they lit during Mass as a sign of remembrance and prayer for their deceased loved ones, while the choir uplifted the congregation with hymns of hope and faith.

During the celebration, the community prayed for the souls of the departed, for the ongoing Diocesan Synod in Masaka Diocese, and for the missionary work of the Church. The Mass also included prayers for the synodal delegates taking part in the 6th Diocesan Synod, which is running from November 2 to November 9, 2025. Fr. Kaganda urged the congregation to remain steadfast in prayer and unity as they support the mission of the Church both spiritually and materially.

Hon. Ssemwanga Gyaviira, the representative of Buyamba and a member of the Parliamentary Land Board in Uganda, delivered a message of gratitude and inspiration. He thanked the Bishop of Masaka Diocese for his continuous support and guidance to the people of Buyamba. Reflecting on his own life, Hon. Ssemwanga shared that he lost his parents at a young age and had come to the Mass to pray for them, emphasizing the importance of faith, remembrance, and unity among Christians.

In his remarks, Hon. Ssemwanga also commended the people of Buyamba for their solidarity and commitment to community development. He revealed that the community had collected funds to support the construction of a parish hall, a project that has also received support from the President of Uganda. He encouraged them to continue working together for the growth of both Buyamba Parish and the Masaka Diocese.

Concluding his address, Hon. Ssemwanga based on the Bishop’s call, reminding Christians of their role in leadership, urging them to participate actively in public service and national affairs. “Let us engage leadership as Christians not only in Church, but also in politics , to lead and provide services to our people,” he said. He further called on all citizens to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming January 15, 2026 elections, describing it as a civic and moral obligation for all believers.