Rev. Fr. Tophil Owembabazi, the parish priest of St Luke Catholic Parish Muhanga, has urged newly ordained Rev. Fr. Cyril Arthur Ayebazibwe to preach the truth of Christ and serve God’s people with humility as he begins his priestly ministry.
Fr Owembabazi made the call during a thanksgiving Mass for Fr Cyril at St Barnabas Parish Karujanga in Kabale District on Sunday.
Fr Owembabazi reminded Fr Cyril that priesthood entails serving people from different backgrounds, personalities and circumstances, urging him to treat everyone equally and without discrimination.
“Understand the needs of the people you are going to serve. People may not always come to church with spiritual needs alone; some may also be facing physical, social and economic challenges,” Fr Owembabazi said.
He encouraged the newly ordained priest to teach, guide, advise and inspire the faithful through both his words and personal example, saying his life should reflect the teachings of Christ.
Fr Owembabazi further urged Fr Cyril to remain calm, humble and willing to listen to the people he serves. He advised him to acknowledge and correct his mistakes, apologise when necessary, appreciate the faithful and embrace teamwork.
He also cautioned him against pursuing money at the expense of his vocation, urging him to serve diligently, remain kind and welcome people, especially those experiencing suffering and poverty.
“Do not run after money. Serve diligently, be kind and welcome new people, especially those who are suffering. Embrace love for the poor,” he said.
Fr Owembabazi also called on experienced priests and other church leaders to guide, advise and pray for Fr Cyril, noting that priestly ministry is a challenging journey that requires continuous spiritual support.
Ndorwa West MP Eliab Mporera congratulated Fr Cyril, describing his ordination as a significant milestone for the constituency.
Mr Mporera said Fr Cyril was the first priest from Ndorwa West to be ordained since he became the area MP.
Fr Cyril was born in Kanyante Village, Kibuga Sub-county, in Ndorwa West Constituency.
“This is the genesis of development in spiritual, social and economic development. I assure you, people of Ndorwa West,” Mr Mporera told the gathering.
The legislator also used the occasion to update residents on infrastructure projects in the area.
He said the first phase of compensation for people affected by the Kabale-Katuna-Muko road project was ongoing.
Mr Mporera said he had raised concerns in Parliament over delays in the construction of the road and had also written to President Yoweri Museveni about the matter.
“We have finalised everything, and soon the construction will resume,” he said.
He further said he had lobbied for more than Shs500 million to construct a new classroom block at St Barnabas Karujanga Secondary School.
The school head teacher, Mr Turinawe Alex, confirmed that the funds had been deposited on the Kabale District bank account and that construction work would soon begin.
In his remarks, Fr Cyril thanked his parents, priests, clergy and other well-wishers who supported him throughout his journey to priesthood.
He particularly appreciated his father, Tumwebaze Christopher, and the rest of his family for their commitment and sacrifices towards his education and formation.
Fr Cyril is the seventh-born in a family of 11 children.
He also thanked the priests and other people who encouraged and supported him throughout his journey, saying their contribution played an important role in helping him fulfil his calling.
The newly ordained priest concluded by praying for God’s blessings upon those who attended the thanksgiving celebration and assured them that he would faithfully serve wherever he is assigned.
Fr Cyril Arthur Ayebazibwe was ordained a priest on Saturday, August 22, 2026, by the Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira, at Our Lady of Good Rushoroza Cathedral.
