Let faith reflect in your words, St Peter’s Nsambya parishioners told

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Kampala Catholic Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere has urged St Peters Nsambya Proto-Cathedral parishioners to reflect the faith of the Mill Hill Fathers in their words, actions and aspirations.

The archbishop made the call as the parish marked its 130th anniversary at a colourful function at the church in Kampala city, Makindye division.

A spectacle of Catholic priests in procession for the thanksgivng mass. This was during the celebration of the 130th anniversary of St Peter's Nsambya Catholic parish at the church at Nsambya, in Makindye Division on Sunday, June 29, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The thanksgiving mass on Sunday, June 29, 2025, was presided over by Ssemogerere, who asked the parishioners to proclaim in word and deed the Catholic faith that the missionaries brought when they started the parish. He encouraged them to deepen their Christian devotion and to continue supporting the parish’s holistic development work.

“Nsambya is a very significant parish with several important institutions. In it are schools, health facilities, religious houses, the Uganda Catholic Secretariat, and the American Embassy, among other things. Continue supporting your parish. May the faith planted here by the Mill Hill Fathers be reflected in your words, actions and aspirations,” Ssemogerere said.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere delivers his remarks during the function. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The Prelate of Lubaga expressed concern over the decline in people’s religious conviction, to which he attributed the manifestation of immorality and vice. He asked the Christians to be honest, trustworthy, gentle and calm, particularly during this time when the country is preparing for general elections.

Parish priest Fr Joseph Ssemanda thanked Buganda Kingdom for its involvement and contribution to the parish’s development. He explained that the multi-purpose building that is being constructed at the church was intended to realise the parish’s vision of self-reliance.

The parish-priest Nsambya, Fr Joseph Ssemanda delivers his message. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The parish’s head of the laity, Evaristus Bainomugisha promised to work even harder to ensure that the parish continues to prosper.

In her message delivered by Kampala affairs state minister Joseph Kyofatogabye Kabuye, Vice-President Jessica Alupo paid glowing tribute to the Mill Hill Fathers (who established Nsambya parish) for promoting faith, healthcare, social service and social development.

A spectacle of Bishop Hanlon Balyesiima House Nsambya that was belssed by Archbishop Ssemogerere during the function. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

She asked the leadership of the Church and all Christians to work for the stability of the family, to enhance the stability and progress of the Church and the country. She commended the parishioners for immortalising Bishop Henry Hanlon with a commercial building that will also generate revenue for the parish. Alupo finally declared President Museveni’s donation of shillings 50 million to the parish.

The choir of St Peter's Proto-Cathedral Nsambya leading the singing during the thanksgiving mass for the 130th anniversary of the parish on Sunday, June 29, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The function was graced by several dignitaries including head of the Catholic Laity in Uganda (who is also the Deputy Managing Director of Vision Group), Gervase Ndyanabo, Kampala Archdiocese head of the laity Emily Kitto Mwaka and her deputy John Bill Nsubuga, Retired Justice Remmy Kasule, Makindye LC3 Chairman Ali Nganda Mulyannyama, Makindye West MP Allan Ssewannyana, Michael Mabikke, and Makindye Resident City Commissioner Nanshemeza Caroline Kashaija.

HISTORY

St Peter’s Nsambya Proto-Cathedral parish was started by Bishop Henry Hanlon of the missionary society of the Mill Hill Fathers on November 18, 1895.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (wearing a mitre), shares a photo-moment with Hon Michael Mabikke (wearing a Kaunda suit) and the Catholic nuns after the thanksgiving mass. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

The land on Nsambya Hill, where the parish started, was donated to the Church by Ssekabaka Mwanga II of Buganda. The parish eventually became the headquarters of the former Kampala Diocese, which was merged with Lubaga Archdiocese (on August 6, 1966) to form Kampala Archdiocese.