MEPA Bishops Make an Annual Pastoral Visit to Kabale Diocese

The Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, has urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and to recognize the presence of Jesus Christ even in moments of hardship and confusion.

He made these remarks during his homily on Sunday at Mass held at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral, marking the conclusion of a five-day pastoral visit by the Catholic Bishops of the Province of Mbarara. The visit was organized under the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province Association (MEPA).

The Ecclesiastical Province of Mbarara comprises five dioceses: Mbarara Archdiocese, led by His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha; Kasese Diocese, led by Bishop Francis Aquirinus Kibira; Fort Portal Diocese, led by Bishop Robert Muhiirwa; Hoima Diocese, led by Bishop Vincent Kirabo; and Kabale Diocese, led by Bishop Callist Rubaramira. The pastoral visit to Kabale Diocese ran from Wednesday, April 15, to Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Archbishop Bainomugisha reflected on the journey of the disciples after the Resurrection. Drawing from Luke 24:13–35, he noted that, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, many believers today experience sadness and uncertainty. He emphasized, however, that Jesus never abandons His people but walks with them through every challenge, even when they do not immediately recognize His presence.

He further underscored the importance of fellowship and spiritual communion, pointing to the moment when Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples in the breaking of bread.

The Archbishop also reflected on the history of Catholicism in the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province, noting that the regions were once under shared leadership. He praised early missionaries for their contributions to socio-economic development through the establishment of schools, hospitals, and other essential services.

He commended the continued cooperation between the Church and the State in promoting development and urged his fellow bishops to intensify their efforts in nurturing young dioceses and building strong foundations for future generations.

He encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in faith, inviting Jesus Emmanuel to accompany them in all circumstances. He reminded them that the annual MEPA visit is intended to strengthen unity and solidarity among bishops and the faithful as they journey together in hope toward heaven.

Rt. Rev. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese, commended Bishop Callist Rubaramira and the people of Kabale for their warm hospitality during the five-day pastoral visit.

He called on parents to cooperate in paying additional fees required in government schools under the UPE and USE programs to ensure improved and quality education for their children. He explained that the extra fees help support teachers who are not on the government payroll but continue to serve learners with dedication.

He further urged parents to change their mindset regarding education by embracing practical skills for their children. He challenged the belief that vocational careers such as hairdressing, plumbing, catering, carpentry, and mechanics are meant for academically weak students, noting that such skills are highly marketable in today’s competitive job environment.

The Bishop of Kasese Diocese, Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira, used the occasion to announce that Kasese Diocese will lead this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations on June 3 at Namugongo. He called for both moral and financial support to ensure the success of the event.

He also advised families to establish income-generating activities to improve their livelihoods and support household development. He extended this call to parishes, encouraging priests to initiate sustainable projects to strengthen Church finances.

Bishop Kibira condemned laziness as a hindrance to progress and challenged Christians to embrace hard work and self-reliance. He noted that despite Africa’s vast land resources, poverty persists due to underutilization, urging communities to make productive use of available resources.

He concluded by encouraging the faithful to deepen their relationship with God, stressing the importance of prayer in family life, noting that “a family that prays together stays together.”

Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo, Bishop of Hoima Diocese, also commended the unity among the bishops and the hospitality of Kabale Diocese. He urged Christians to be grateful to God for the growth of faith in the region and to pray without ceasing, actively participate in the worthy reception of the sacraments, remain united, and work hard to improve their families. He specifically cautioned the youth against wasting time on unproductive activities such as excessive pool playing, encouraging them instead to direct their energies toward productive pursuits.

In his remarks, Bishop Callist Rubaramira, the host, appreciated the MEPA bishops for what he described as a fruitful visit focused on planning various aspects of Church life, strengthening evangelization, and improving service delivery through coordinated efforts. Speaking on behalf of the laity, the Kabale Diocesan Chairperson, Nicodemus Odo Tumukwasiibwe, praised the bishops’ unity. He noted that a similar spirit is witnessed annually in November when bishops from the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province meet Christians from the province residing in Kampala for a pilgrimage to Namugongo. He pledged continued support from the faithful in advancing the mission of the Church. Speaking on behalf of the political leadership, Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba, MP for Ndorwa East and Shadow Attorney General, thanked the bishops of the Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province for their solidarity and collegiality. As Chairperson of the Land Board for Kabale Diocese, Hon. Niwagaba urged bishops and all the faithful to ensure that their land is surveyed and titled to prevent conflicts and encroachment on Church property.