Pope ambassador Kasujja launches Serenity Centre jubilee projects

In 2001, Catholic Missionary Groups working in Uganda, including the White Fathers (Missionaries of Africa), the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the Mill Hill Missionaries and the Congregation of Holy Cross, established Serenity Centre to address the challenge of alcoholism and substance abuse that was becoming endemic. 

The not-for-profit facility at Kabulamuliro, on Entebbe Road, in Wakiso district, stands out as the first private de-addiction and rehabilitation organisation.

According to executive director Emmanuel Mubangizi, the facility has since then treated two million patients who were previously struggling with alcoholism and drug/substance abuse.

Serenity Centre is currently eyeing its 25th anniversary celebration, which is scheduled for August 27, 2026. As a practical way preparing for the celebration, the institute’s stakeholders have initiated a number of significant monumental projects, including publication of a textbook on alcoholism and substance de-addiction/rehabilitation, and the proposed women’s accommodation block.

The respective silver jubilee projects were launched by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Dr Augustine Kasujja during the institute’s 24th anniversary celebration that took place at its headquarters at Kabulamuliro (in Wakiso district) on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

Addressing the stakeholders who graced the function, Nuncio Kasujja lauded the funders of Serenity Centre for their vision and concern for the people struggling with mental disorders due to alcoholism and addiction.

He thanked the facility’s administrators, staff members, benefactors and partners, including the Ministry of Health, Kampala Archdiocese, the Brothers of Christian Instruction, Uganda Martyrs University, Wakiso district local government, and the community for their contribution to the cause.

Serenity Centre staff-members signing on the dummy of the silver jubilee monumental book after its launching. (Credit: Mathias Mazinga)

He called for greater solidarity between government and the other stakeholders to foster prevention of alcoholism and addiction.

Serenity Centre executive director Emmanuel Mubangizi, board chairperson Emmanuel Ngabirano and in charge of quality assurance Fr. Dr. Richard Kyazze Kiprotich Atwooki, pledged to be even more committed to the prevention and treatment of substance abuse with strict guidance of the gospel values.

Dr David Basangwa, a senior psychiatrist, urged the Government to implement the established laws on alcoholism and substance abuse. He expressed regret that even after the passing of the anti-narcotics and psychotropic law, alcohol continued to be packaged in very small bottles, which young people bought cheaply and easily concealed and consumed.

The Ministry of Health Acting Commissioner, Mental Health and Control of Substance Use, Dr. Hafsa Lukwata, urged Ugandans, in particular women and young people, to avoid taking alcohol and drugs, which have been prescribed by a doctor.

The Principal Regulatory Officer, Medicines at the National Drug Authority, Dr Brian Sekayombya, assured the public that the authority would continue to protect Ugandans by insisting on safe and quality medicine.

The Chairman of Wakiso District, Dr. Matia Lwanga Bwanika, called on government to give due support to the private, not-for-profit rehabilitation facilities such as SerenityCentre, which he said, provide a wonderful voluntary service for the country.

During the same function, Nuncio Kasujja also launched the Serenity Centre silver jubilee theme: Empowering and Nurturing Women to Overcome Addiction.