The Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, the Rev Fr Joseph Anthony Zziwa, has blessed a newly constructed clergy house at Our Lady of Fatima Mubende Parish as part of the parish’s upcoming centenary celebrations.
During the ceremony, Mubende Municipality District Engineer John Ssebayigga commended the quality of the construction work, assuring the Bishop that the building was ready for occupancy.
“Our Bishop, allow me to inform you that since September 17, 2023, I have closely monitored this construction to ensure high standards. I can confidently confirm today that the building is ready to accommodate our clergy,” Ssebayigga stated.
Detailing the structure’s specifications, he added, “This building consists of 17 bedrooms, three dining areas, and four offices. I am honored to officially hand it over to you.”
Before thousands of gathered Christians, Bishop Zziwa expressed his gratitude for Ssebayigga’s dedication.
“I want to thank Engineer Ssebayigga for his commitment to ensuring quality work. His efforts have resulted in a building worthy of this occasion,” he said.
Having personally inspected the structure, the Bishop confirmed its readiness.
“I have been in Mubende for three days, visiting different places. Upon my arrival here, I inspected this building and found everything in order for commissioning. That is why I am here to officiate this ceremony,” he remarked.
A Historic Milestone
Bishop Zziwa reflected on the history of Mubende Parish and the significance of the new clergy house.
“We have built this structure on the exact spot where the first clergy house stood, preserving its original layout except for the flooring. This building is a key monument as we mark 100 years of our parish,” he explained.
He further recounted the parish’s origins, noting, “In 1925, Mubende was designated a parish, and this site became its headquarters. Initially, the parish included Katente, Madudu, Kassambya, Kibalinga, Ssenkulu, and parts of Kiganda. Over time, these areas became independent parishes.”
In its early years, the parish served as a base for priests ministering to surrounding communities.
“Our priests resided here while traveling to these areas. Now, as we celebrate 100 years, we gather once again in the same place to commission a new clergy house that will serve both as a residence and a center for parish activities,” he noted.
He then blessed the building, praying for divine protection over all who would use it.
“As we bless this house, we pray that Almighty God also blesses those who will live and serve here, including our priests and the faithful. Let us cherish and uphold this space,” he prayed.
Official Commissioning
Amidst applause, Bishop Zziwa and Rev Fr Emmanuel Mwerikande, the parish priest, formally commissioned the building.
“In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. When we blessed our church, many of you were present. Now, we are here to bless this house. Since this is a significant task, I will delegate some priests to bless the bedrooms while I bless the offices, where their pastoral work will be carried out,” he declared.
Naloongo Clare Ssebitosi Kingongo, chairperson of the 100-year celebrations organizing committee, expressed her gratitude to the Bishop for his support.
“We are delighted that our centenary project—the clergy house—is now complete. Our priests will now have a proper residence, and we thank everyone who contributed to this achievement,” Kingongo said.
Hope Grania Nakazibwe, Woman MP for Mubende District, also commended parishioners for their generosity.
“I want to thank the people of Mubende for their financial and material contributions that made this project a success. Today, we celebrate this milestone with joy,” Nakazibwe said.
She also recognised Fr Mwerikande for his leadership in ensuring the success of the celebrations.
“Our parish has played a significant role in completing this project. I extend my gratitude to him and to all the priests who have served here since 1925,” she added.
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