The Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, on Sunday officially elevated and inaugurated St. Francis Catholic Parish–Kyanamira, fulfilling the long-held dream of thousands of Christians in Kyanamira Sub County, Kabale District, to have their own independent parish and easier access to Eucharistic services.
Previously operating as St. Francis Catholic Church Centre under Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral Parish and overseen by Rev. Fr. Christmas Philip Austen, the new parish reflects the diocese’s commitment to meeting spiritual needs and fostering unity among believers. It becomes the 42nd parish in Kabale Diocese.
“Rooted in faith and built through sacrifice, St. Francis Kyanamira Parish stands as a beacon of hope and blessing to all,” Bishop Rubaramira said, urging parishioners to take responsibility for its growth.
Bishop Rubaramira appointed Rev. Fr. Charles Nikiema, a Missionary of Africa priest from Burkina Faso, as Parish Priest, assisted by Rev. Fr. Blthazard Buhalagarha Grace and Rev. Fr. Armel Somda as curates.
He welcomed the return of the Missionaries of Africa, also known as the White Fathers, to the diocese and encouraged Christians to support them.
He also gave the new leadership two months to work with Rushoroza Cathedral Parish Priest to elect a parish council from grassroots to parish level.
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During the ceremony, Rev. Fr. Austen officially handed over church property to Rev. Fr. Nikiema, including vestments in four liturgical colors, sacred vessels, linens, parish registers for sacraments, church keys, and baptism cards.
Accepting his new role, Rev. Fr. Nikiema called on the faithful to embrace the parish as their own, quoting St. Francis’s prayer: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is despair, hope…”
Representing Chief Guest and Minister of Finance (General Duties) Henry Musasizi, Ndorwa East MP Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba congratulated parishioners and urged the White Fathers to address not only spiritual matters but also social challenges such as poverty, poor education, malnutrition, and low agricultural productivity.
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Kabale District Woman MP Hon. Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira hailed the elevation as a testament to the community’s unwavering faith, unity, and readiness to take on greater responsibilities in evangelization and service.
