Thousands of Christians gathered on July 27 at Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral Parish in Mityana District to celebrate 61 years since the parish was founded in 1964. The joyful event brought together believers from all walks of life to reflect on the spiritual journey of the parish and to give thanks to God for the progress made over the years.
The day began with a Mass led by Rev Fr Pius Male Ssentumbwe, Chancellor of Kampala Catholic Archdiocese. He was joined by several priests from Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, including the parish priest, Rev Fr Steven Lusiba. During his sermon, Fr Male encouraged the faithful to stay strong in their faith and live according to the teachings of the Church and the Bible.
He also addressed a rising concern about youth mistreating the elderly. He referred to a recent incident where some grandchildren forced their grandmother to deny donating land to the Church—land she had willingly given. Fr Male reminded young people to support and care for the elderly, not take advantage of them.
The event was attended by Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba, who served as the Chief Guest. She helped launch the newly completed Cardinal Wamala Gardens, a beautiful public space created with support from church members and friends of the diocese. The gardens are meant to generate income to support church activities and maintain the parish.
Special prayers were also offered for the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, as he approaches his 32nd coronation anniversary. The Church recognized his positive contributions to Buganda and his continued leadership. Representing the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) Charles Peter Mayiga, Owek Joseph Kawuki—who also leads the faithful at the Cathedral—shared a message of gratitude and hope. He assured people that the Kabaka is in good health and continuing his royal duties.
Kawuki also urged people to be careful as Uganda approaches the political season. He warned against division and reminded everyone that political differences should not break unity among people of the same faith or community.
Minister Nabakooba thanked God for the achievements of the parish, including improvements in health, economic development, and spiritual growth. She encouraged the congregation to use the next years to make even more progress. She also celebrated the Kabaka’s milestone and prayed for his long life.
In terms of development, the minister revealed that she had successfully lobbied for Mityana Municipality to receive a physical development plan. The project, which costs around Shs600 million, will guide future improvements in the area. She added that Mityana is now part of the first group to benefit from the World Bank-funded USMID (Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development) program.
Finally, Nabakooba reminded the people of Mityana that she will be running again for the Woman Member of Parliament seat in the 2026 general elections. She had already gone through unopposed in the NRM primaries and asked for continued support from the people.
The 61st anniversary celebration of Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral Parish was a day of unity, joy, prayer, and commitment to continued growth—both spiritually and socially—for the Church and the wider community.
