A total of UGX 67,329,000 and 100 bags of cement were raised during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Our Lady of Assumption Rwanyena Catholic Parish in Rushoroza Deanery, marking its 60 years of existence. The event took place on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Rwanyena Parish grounds. The funds were earmarked for the construction of a three-stalled dormitory building at Assumption Vocational Secondary School budgeted at 500 million shillings. The laying of its foundation stone marked a key step in the parish’s efforts to support education in the region.
The celebrations, held at the Rwanyena Parish grounds under the theme Ka Tugume tukwataniise n’omutima gumwe (let us remain united with one heart) drew Christians from all over the parish and outside and dignitaries to commemorate this significant milestone. Christians walked as Pilgrims from all the 39 hiikas of Rwanyena Parish to the parish grounds for the celebration chanting joyful hymns.
While delivering his homily during the Mass, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese, commended the church leadership and parishioners for their steadfast support to develop the parish over the years. He paid tribute to the late Sir Paul Ngorogoza for donating the land on which the church stands. Bishop Rubaramira urged parents to oversee the school’s operations to ensure its success, particularly in practical skilling of children. He acknowledged the resilience of stakeholders who worked to revive the school after previous challenges.
Dr. Abdon Birungi, Chairperson of the Diamond’s Organizing Committee and vice chairperson of Rwanyena Parish reflected on the transformative impact of the Parish since its foundation. He outlined the strategic objectives of the parish which include including fostering vibrant worship, promotion of socio-economic development, empowering communities for sustainable progress, improves education and health services among others. He thanked Bishop Callist Rubaramira for appointing a hardworking team of priests to Rwanyena Parish which they are working with to transform the area.
Hon. Catherine Ndamira Atwakire, the Woman MP Kabale District expressed gratitude to Kabale Diocese for their role in fostering household development and supporting government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM). She praised the parish for its efforts to improve the livelihoods of its community. Together with her husband, Eng. Didas Ndamira, they contributed 100 bags of cement.
In her speech delivered by Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba (Ndorwa County East MP), Rt. Hon. Anita Among lauded the parish for its focus on youth and children’s education through skilling initiatives and integrating vocational education with secondary education. She contributed UGX 20 million towards the dormitory project.
In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Dr. Deusdedit Musinguzi, Parish priest of Rwanyena Parish thanked Bishop Callist Rubaramira for gracing the function and leading the sacrifice of Mass. He also thanked the speaker of Ugandan Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among for accepting to officiate as chief guest and for her generous contribution. He appreciated all the people of God for their generosity to support education by contributing towards construction of the girls’ dormitory at Assumption Vocational Secondary School Rwanyena. He said that as the parish, they are focusing on four pillars namely; faith building, education, health-care and financial sustainability.
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations showcased the parish’s rich history and its significant contributions to the community. The event allowed parishioners to reflect on their achievements and challenges while looking forward to a brighter future with hope.
Our Lady of Assumption Rwanyena Parish was curved out of Rushoroza Parish in 1963, which was then under Mbarara Diocese before Kabale was opened as a Diocese in 1966. Preparations of opening the Parish started in 1962 when Fr. Bartholomew Kamugyene the then parish priest of Rushoroza Parish built a local church and small house for priests. He also started the making of a road from Ryakarimira to Rwanyena and the parish was opened in 1963 with Fr. Jonnes as its first Parish priest. The parish land of Rwanyena was donated by Sir Paul Ngologoza, the first Papal knight from Kigezi. The parish which started small has grown big and now has 39 out stations (hiikas), 17 milukas all found in the three greater central of Karujanga, Kahungye and Rwanyena.