The Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, has ordained eight deacons from the Congregation of the Apostles of Jesus into the priesthood during a solemn Mass held at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoraza Cathedral Parish grounds in Kabale District.
The newly ordained priests are: Rev. Benjamin Chakuwa from Mutolere Parish, Kisoro District, Rev. Deusdedit Birungi from Makiro Parish, Rev. Leopold Nkurunungi from Muko Parish, Rubanda District, Rev. Nicholas Byaruhanga from Buhara Parish, Kabale District, Rev. Silas Majoro from Kinanira Parish, Rev. Tarasisio Mucunguzi from Kyanamira Parish, Kabale District, Rev. Vincent Niwabeine from Maziba Parish, Kabale District and Rev. Patrick Tumushabe from Buhara Parish, Kabale District
During the ordination on Saturday, Bishop Rubaramira reminded the new priests that the priesthood is a divine gift from God, calling on them to serve with humility and unwavering commitment. He urged them never to compromise in their service to God and His people.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Placid Mugumya, Secretary to the Bishop of Kabale Diocese, challenged Christians to stop making excuses and instead be open to God’s calling in their lives. He emphasized that a vocation is not merely a career choice, but a way of life that demands faith, courage, and deep dedication.
Fr. Mugumya encouraged the faithful to trust in God’s plan and to be guided by the Holy Spirit in all they do. He also urged the newly ordained priests to stand firm in truth, even in difficult times, and to remain true to their values and principles in the face of adversity.
CUE IN REV FR MUGUMYA……ON THE CALL……RR/ENG//
In a congratulatory message, the Assistant Vocations Director for the Uganda Region, Rev. Fr. Ignatius Leoson Mbabazi, praised the steadfast support of Church leadership and the commitment of formation teams who have guided the candidates to maturity in their religious journey.
“I am very grateful to the Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, and his predecessors who have always willingly accepted to ordain our brothers to the order of Priesthood,” Fr. Mbabazi stated.
He extended special appreciation to the formators “at all levels” for shaping the new priests through “words, examples and guidance,” noting that their efforts have borne fruit in producing committed missionaries ready to serve in the Lord’s vineyard.
Encouraging the newly ordained priests as they embark on their ministry, Fr. Mbabazi urged them to embrace their missionary calling with joy, resilience and fidelity.
“It is God who calls, therefore I encourage you to love your missionary life and ministry, dear brothers. Remain with good health, joy and happiness as you begin your priestly journey. Your priesthood is a gift to us all,” he said.
Founded in 1968, the Apostles of Jesus is the first religious missionary congregation established on African soil. Since its inception, it has continued to expand across the continent and beyond, sending missionaries to serve in parishes, schools, health centres and refugee communities.
The ordination marks another milestone in the congregation’s mission of evangelization and service, as it entrusts new labourers to the Church’s harvest.
“Congratulations on your priestly ordination,” Fr. Mbabazi concluded, calling the event a moment of pride and thanksgiving for the entire Apostles of Jesus family.
The Journey of New Priests:
1. Rev. Benjamin Chakuwa – Mutolere Parish
Born on 30th June 1989 to Kibirigge Francis and Claudia Banshekura, Benjamin’s path to priesthood has been defined by steady commitment.
From Mutolere Primary School to seminaries in Bukinda, Nairobi, and Arusha, he pursued both Philosophy and Theology, making his Perpetual Profession in June 2024 and being ordained a Deacon in December 2024 by Archbishop Philip Anyolo.
As he prepares for priesthood, his heart rests in one prayer: “One thing I ask of the Lord… to live in the House of the Lord all the days of my life” (Psalm 27:4).
2. Rev. Deusdedit Birungi – Makiro Parish
The youngest of six, born on 30th May 1990 to Byamugisha Habert and Tumuhamye Angelica, Deusdedit’s calling began in childhood. Watching priests celebrate Mass stirred something deep within him.
His vocation was further nurtured during faith formation programs led by the late Fr. John Scalabrini. His journey took him from Luzira SSS to seminaries in Bukinda, Nairobi, and Moroto.
Ordained a Deacon in August 2024, he now steps into priesthood with a desire to “seek deeper understanding in religious life.”
3. Rev. Leopold Nkurunungi – Muko Parish
Firstborn of seven, Leopold was raised by Mr. Zaribugire Leo and Mrs. Kobusigye Scola, born on 13th December 1990. As a young altar server, he was inspired by the example of priests.
His academic and spiritual formation led him through Kabaya Primary, Nyakibale Seminary, Bukinda, Nairobi, and Meru. Now ready for priesthood, he echoes the words of the Psalmist: “I will praise you with all my heart…” (Psalm 86:12).
4. Rev. Nicholas Byaruhanga – Buhara Parish
Born on 7th April 1990 in Kashaki Village, Nicholas is the son of Turyakira Gerevas and Tumuhimbise Fulumina. His formation journey took him through Buhara Primary, St. Joseph’s Secondary, Bukinda, Nairobi, and Moroto.
After Perpetual Vows in August 2024, he now embraces priesthood with a gospel mandate: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
5. Rev. Silas Majoro – Kinanira Parish
Born on 7th July 1987, the seventh of nine children of Baruhire John and Nyiramategeko Budesiano, Silas’ academic and spiritual journey spans Rubuguri, Bukinda, Nairobi, and Moroto.
Having served faithfully through various ministries as lector and acolyte, he professed his Perpetual Vows in 2022 and was ordained Deacon in 2024. Now, he stands ready to shepherd God’s people as a priest.
6. Rev. Tarasisio Mucunguzi – Kyanamira Parish
Born on 15th January 1988 to Brazio Banyoya and Generose Tukahiirwa, Tarasisio is the third of ten children.
After formation spanning Kacuro, Rushoroza, Nairobi, Meru, and Mombasa, he made his Final Vows in August 2024 and was ordained Deacon that same month.
His pastoral exposure across Kenya has shaped his zeal for missionary service.
7. Rev. Vincent Niwabeine – Maziba Parish
Orphaned early in life, Vincent, born 26th November 1989, was the first of two children of Beshekyere Joseph and Tushabomwe Turis Mary (RIP).
Inspired during a Silver Jubilee celebration of religious sisters, he vowed to become a missionary. From Kahondo to Bukinda, Nairobi, and Jinja, he stayed faithful to that dream. “Today, by God’s grace, it has been fulfilled,” he says.
8. Rev. Patrick Tumushabe – Buhara Parish
The second of eleven children born to Turyahikayo Julius and Kyarisiima Jacinta, Patrick’s vocation blossomed through Rwene Primary, St. Joseph’s Buhara, and seminaries in Bukinda, Nairobi, and Arusha.
Ordained Deacon in December 2024, he enters priesthood proclaiming: “From His fullness, we have all received grace upon grace” (John 1:16).
A New Generation of Shepherds
Their journeys are diverse, yet united by unwavering faith. From village chapels to international seminaries, from inspiration to sacrifice, they now return to serve the people who raised them.
Kabale Diocese celebrates, not just eight ordinations, but eight living testimonies of God’s call.
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