St. Benedict Ndama Catholic Parish in Rukungiri District was on Sunday filled with song, ululation and jubilation as Christians witnessed their first son, Rev. Fr. Stephen Niwandinda, celebrate his maiden Mass in thanksgiving to God for the gift of priesthood.
Fr. Niwandinda, 29, became the first priest from Ndama Parish since its inception in 1984. He was ordained on August 23, 2025, at Rushoroza Cathedral by the Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, alongside three colleagues – Rev. Fr. Onesmus Ahabwe, Rev. Fr. Mark Aheisibwe and Rev. Fr. Frank Atuzarirwe.
In his homily at the thanksgiving Mass, Rev. Fr. Benedict Mubangizi congratulated the young priest for “beating the odds to become the very first priest born of Ndama Parish.”
He urged him to embrace his new mission with humility:
“Every high priest is taken from among human beings and appointed to act on their behalf in matters relating to God. You too must show mercy and truth as you serve your people.”
Fr. Mubangizi also reminded married couples to remain faithful to their vows.
“Be tolerant with one another and support your priests, for when priests are strengthened, they serve you better,” he said.
Family Gratitude
Representing the family, Mr. Agapitus Kyarikunda described his son as a patient and hardworking child.
“Stephen showed priestly traits from childhood. We thank God, Bishop Rubaramira, and all who guided him through his formation,” he said.
The family dedicated his ministry to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In an emotional address, Fr. Niwandinda expressed gratitude for his vocation.
“I thank God for calling me to serve among my people. I am forever indebted to my parents who sacrificed so much for my formation, my teachers and formators, and the faithful of Ndama Parish who have stood by me,” he said.
He also commended his parish priest, Rev. Fr. Achilles Tumukurate, and all parishioners for organizing what he described as “a thanksgiving of historic significance.”
The faithful of Ndama Parish gifted their first priest a brand-new car, registration number UA 916BS, and requested him to pray for more priestly vocations.
Born on June 8, 1996, in Mabanga Hiika, Ndama Parish, Fr. Niwandinda is the second of five children.
He studied at St. Charles Lwanga Seminary, Nyakibale, later earning degrees in Philosophy and Theology from Katigondo and Kinyamasika major seminaries respectively.
