The Catholic Women Apostolate (CWA) of Kabale Diocese has elected and inaugurated a new diocesan executive that will lead the apostolate for the next four years, with Church leaders urging the team to embrace servant leadership, accountability, teamwork and holistic development.
The elections were held on Friday at Rushoroza Pastoral Centre under the supervision of the Chairman of the Diocesan Laity Council, Tumukwasiibwe Nicodemus Odo. Twine Agnes of Rushoroza Deanery was elected Chairperson, deputized by Baguma Scovia of Kitanga Deanery.
Nabukenya Angella from Makiro Deanery was elected Secretary, Bihira Pamella of Mutolere Deanery as Vice Secretary, and Beyendera Vastine of Rushoroza Deanery as Treasurer. Committee members elected include Catherine Turyahebwa (Nyakibale Deanery), Kamusiime Roursette (Bukinda Deanery), Kyomuhendo Glorious (Rubanda Deanery) and Mugarura Martha (Makiro Deanery).
Speaking after the elections, Tumukwasiibwe reminded the new leaders that leadership in the Church is a call to service rather than privilege.
He urged them to work as a united team, remain prayerful and responsive to the needs of members, and promote not only spiritual growth but also education, poverty eradication, participation in government development programmes and the strengthening of Christian families.
Representing the Women’s Desk in the Caritas Department of Kabale Diocese, Mababazi Hilda commended the outgoing executive led by Sophia Mbonigaba for making the Catholic Women Apostolate more vibrant and visible across the Diocese.
She applauded the outgoing leaders for their collaboration with Caritas in implementing programmes that have improved the lives of women and their families, while encouraging the incoming executive to focus on selfless service and tangible results at Hiika, parish and diocesan levels.
Representing the National Office of the Catholic Women Apostolate, National Mobiliser, Jane Francis Kamashamba also commended Mbonigaba for successfully completing her two constitutional terms of office.
She credited her leadership with raising the profile of Kabale Diocese within the national structures of the apostolate and informed members that the next international Catholic Women Apostolate assembly will be held in Spain in 2027.
She challenged the new executive to serve the Church with dedication and generously share their knowledge and experience with fellow members.
During the handover ceremony, outgoing Chairperson, Mbonigaba thanked God for guiding her through two successful terms and expressed appreciation to her executive committee and members for their cooperation.
She acknowledged that leadership comes with challenges but said they offer opportunities for growth, patience and learning. She urged members to remain united and support the new leadership.
In her acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairperson, Twine commended members for entrusting her with the responsibility of leading the apostolate.
She pledged to work closely with all members to strengthen the mission and development of the Catholic Women Apostolate across Kabale Diocese.
The Director of the Lay Apostolate Commission, Rev. Fr. Bruno Byomuhangi, commended the outgoing leadership for strengthening the participation and dignity of Catholic women in the Diocese.
He described Mbonigaba’s leadership as one characterized by resilience, respect for Church authority and teamwork.
Fr. Byomuhangi reminded the newly elected leaders that every member has unique gifts which, when used together, can transform the Church.
He called on them to uphold accountability in their leadership before blessing and commissioning the new executive into office.
