The clergy and faithful at Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese who converged at Tuula Village in Kibalinga Catholic Parish hailed Fr. Charles Lwanga Ssendege for his services to the church as he celebrated 25 years in priesthood.
The celebrations started off with Mass animated by Rev. Fr. Godfrey Muwanga, the Kibalinga Parish priest, where the celebrant is currently serving.
“Fr. Lwanga has served the Lord wholeheartedly, nurtured many Catholics, and achieved a lot of fruitful results during his 25 years of service that we are celebrating today,” the parish priest remarked.
The day was also to reflect on the journey of the celebrant since childhood. Fr. Lwanga was ordained priest in July 1999.
“May God’s favor be upon you to accomplish what you vowed for when you were joining priesthood. Continue serving the Catholic church and its believers to improve the spiritual and personal growth,” he added.
The Silver Jubilee celebrations that were held at his parents’ home attracted attendance from political leaders from Mityana and beyond, and these were led by Judith Nabakooba, Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, who graced the function as the chief guest.
In her remarks, the minister congratulated the celebrant for his perseverance and endurance in this journey and kept an inspiring legacy for the good work he contributes to the church.
“Celebrating 25 years in a service is very crucial because this is the time one serves with all their energy. Just like the way we look at a child in their youthful stage, we expect a lot from them, but when they grow up, service delivery reduces,” she noted.
“As we start the new journey of another 25 years, may it be filled with God’s blessings and we see the power of the Lord manifesting in the work you render to Mityana and the Catholic church,” Nabakooba prayed.
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She commended Mityana residents for the love they expressed to President Yoweri Museveni when he visited the area at a function that was held at St. Luka Baanabakintu.
“In his address, the President talked about a lot of things, including knowing our land rights. I reiterate the same message to ask all leaders to sensitize our communities about the Land Act; do not wait for problems to come your way and call me. Use the available avenues to address these issues,” she emphasized.
The minister also addressed the issue of rationalizing the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) back to its mother ministry, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), noting that this is intended to cut government expenditure.
She encouraged the public to use the Parish Development Model cash to boost coffee growing in the area.
“No one is taking away our coffee. I am a farmer too, and what is happening has nothing to do with our coffee gardens; let us continue growing our coffee to alleviate poverty,” Nabakooba said.
Representing Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Fr. Joseph Anthony Zziwa, the diocese chancellor, Fr Emmanuel Tamale, hailed the celebrant for delivering quality services and ensuring he transforms the churchgoers in his area of duty.
The Chancellor also conveyed a message from Pope Francis congratulating Fr. Lwanga upon reaching the first milestone of 25 years of priesthood. He equally prayed for more years of excellence as he continued serving the Lord.
Raphael Mpagazi, an old student who studied with the celebrating priest at Kisubi Seminary, said out of 36 students who were vying for priesthood in their class, only three students were ordained priests, Fr. Ssendege inclusive.
“We have moved together with them up to now. This is a great milestone for us and the family. You have delivered beyond your expectations. Continue shining as you serve the church,” he said.
Joseph Katongole, a brother of the celebrant, thanked people for the support they have rendered to them in the entire journey. He said as the family, they sent three people to the seminary, but they were able to get only one priest.
“It has not been an easy journey to organize this colorful function. But with your support, it has come out cheerful,” he said, noting that his brother is humorous, explaining the love he was showered by the churchgoers.
Similarly, Christopher Nsimbe, the 1st deputy Kasujju, congratulated the priest upon reaching 25 years in priesthood and the work he has done throughout the journey, like giving sacraments to the believers, leading the mass, and nurturing the next generation.
“You have added a big stone to our county. We wish you more years such that you convene us again after another 25 years, and we celebrate again,” he noted.
Fr. Lwanga thanked all the faithful, religious, and political leaders for the support they rendered to him to ensure his party came out colorful.
At the same function, one couple exchanged the holy matrimony vows and received their guests at the venue. These were encouraged to stick to their vows as guided by the Catholic Church in front of hundreds of believers.
