ST. ADRIAN’S SEMINARY RUBANDA CELEBRATES SEMINARY DAY WITH FUNDRAISING

St. Adrian’s Seminary Rubanda community on Saturday, July 13, 2024 celebrated the seminary day and feast of their patron saint in anticipation with Mass presided over by Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, the Vicar General of Kabale Diocese. While preaching during Mass, Msgr. John Vianney challenged Christians to prepare their lives well since they are temples of God, whose house must always be kept clean. He urged them to continually call out to Jesus whenever things don’t go well with them, but also thank him when things are well. He emphasized the importance of dwelling in the life of Jesus Christ and responding to God’s call.

Reflect on your relationship with God and create a sacred space within yourselves for Him. Remember your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and you should strive to live a life pleasing to God – Msgr. John Vianney Sunday.

Msgr. John Vianney also encouraged believers to study the life of Jesus Christ, learn from His teachings, and develop a personal relationship with Him. He also cautioned students of St. Adrian’s Seminary to remain disciplined, God fearing and hard working in order to have a successful stay in the seminary and having their future bright.

Fr. Gervase Tumwebaze, the rector of St. Adrian’s Seminary Rubanda noted that the actual day of the celebration of the seminary day is September 8, but because of the busy schedule of the seminary, the celebration is always held in anticipation in second term. He registered appreciation to engineer Rusheesha Jude for having helped the seminary wipe out the water challenge by supporting the drilling clean water powered by solar from 150 meters deep underground. He also pointed out other achievements registered by the seminary including overhauling of the science laboratory, construction of good sanitation of shower rooms, toilets and urinals, installation of water purifier system, career guidance and academic excellence as evidence by UCE 2023 results where 29 candidates passed in Division I, 14 in Division II and 3 in Division III. 4 students who completed S.6 have been admitted to continue with priestly formation in the major seminary.

Fr. Gervase noted that amidst the achievements registered by the seminary, there are some challenges still limiting successful and smooth operations seminary activities, for example lack of a seminary service vehicle as the seminary spends a lot on hiring vehicles to transport students’ food and construction materials. It is on this note that the he appealed to all the people of good will to contribute generously towards the purchase of a service vehicle valued at 80 million shillings.

By the close of the celebration, a total of 73 million shillings had been raised in both cash and pledges aimed at purchasing the seminary’s service vehicle as the rector, Fr. Gervase Tumwebaze had appealed, having been guided by the seminary advisory board in one of the board meetings.

Mr. Johnson Arinaitwe, the Chairman St. Adrian’s Seminary Old Boys Association (SASOBA) pointed out various achievements that had been registered by the association toward their Alma mater and Kabale Diocese in general. These included contribution of 13m towards Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) 2023, installation of solar powered water system in the seminary, seminary band, donation of computers and having a representative of the Old Boys on the Seminary Advisory Board. The association has also started an investment club with a current membership of 64, and the president called for more members to join. He concluded by introducing the new leadership of SASOBA with Mr. Mutabazi Adrian as chairman, Mr. Ndamiye Papius (vice chairman), Mr. Muhereza Innocent (Secretary), Mr. Tumuramye Nestor (vice secretary), Mr. Kiiza Anthony (treasurer), Mr. Twinamatsiko Paul (Publicity secretary), Mr. Alfred Arinda (Coordinator Kampala chapter), Mr. Bruno Tumwekwase (coordinator Kigezi chapter), and Mr. John Ziine (coordinator Ankole chapter).

Hon. Prossy Akampurira Begumisa, Woman MP for Rubanda district called on parents to take full responsibility for their children’s well-being. She requested students to make education a priority as their education is a vital investment in your future by noting that it would be a source of pride for their parents and the community. She also highlighted the critical role of parents in their children’s education. She called on parents to provide scholastic materials to their children while the government provides essential support in terms of infrastructure and teacher salaries. She personally contributed 5 million shillings and mobilized 14 million from her friends toward purchase of seminary service vehicle.

The government plays a crucial role in providing a conducive learning environment. However, parents must fulfill their obligation to provide for their children’s educational needs. This includes paying school fees and ensuring they have the necessary materials – Hon. Prossy Akampurira.

Hon. Moses Kamuntu, the Rubanda West MP while representing Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, minster for ICT and National Guidance, thanked the seminary administration for the many achievements accomplished. He thanked students of St. Adrian’s Seminary for being smart and urged them themnto keep observing discipline if they are to excel in life. He also encouraged the people of Rubanda district and Uganda in general to work hard to get out of poverty. He delivered a contribution of 10 million shillings from Dr. Christ Baryomunsi, 10 million from hon. Minister Henry Musasizi and himself 3 million shillings.

Other guests present included Hon. Solomon Silwany, MP for Bukooli Central, Mr. Ampeire Steven Kasyaba, the L.C V Chairperson for Rubanda district, Mr. Serununu Francis, the Rubanda District Education Officer, Mrs. Mary Waguma, Rubanda district speaker, a number of Old Boys of St. Adrian’s Seminary, among others