Thousands of believers gathered at Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral Parish in Mityana District to commemorate 61 years since its inception in 1964
The celebration commenced with Mass animated by Rev Fr Pius Male Ssentumbwe, the Kampala Catholic Archdiocese Chancellor, accompanied by clerics from Kiyinda-Mityana, led by the parish priest, Rev Fr Steven Lusiba.
In his sermon, Fr Male called on believers to strengthen their faith through doing activities that align with the Church teachings as stipulated in the Holy Bible. He cautioned people, particularly the youth, against infringing on the rights of the elderly, up to an extent of grabbing their properties.
“There is an event that went viral in the media, where grandchildren forcefully took over ownership of land that belonged to their grandparent, inducing her to say she didn’t donate land to Church yet she had willingly offered it,” he said, guiding that youth should instead help the elderly enjoy last days of their life.
Graced by Lands Minister, Judith Nabakooba, as Chief Guest, the function also marked the unveiling of Cardinal Wamala gardens for public use. These were constructed with support from believers of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese and well-wishers, to help the Church generate money to support smooth running of Church activities.
The Church also honoured the Kabaka of Buganda Kingdom, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, for his contribution towards the development of Buganda Kingdom and offered special prayers for him, ahead of his 32nd coronation anniversary.
Representing the Prime Minister of Buganda (Katikkiro), Charles Peter Mayiga, Owek. Joseph Kawuki who doubles as the head of faithful at Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral Parish, delivered a strong congratulatory message, wishing the Kabaka a fruitful celebration despite the challenges he went through during his time of sickness.
“We thank God for his life. I would like to take this opportunity to inform Buganda that Kabaka is doing well, seated on his grandparents’ throne delivering services for the kingdom,” he stated.
Additionally, Mayiga warned the public about the political season the country is headed to, urging the people not to be influenced by politics.
“Avoid discrimination amongst yourselves just because you support different political parties. I want to remind you that not every person will support you, be it of your same faith.”
Ms Nabakooba joined the congregation to thank God for the achievements the cathedral has achieved in the past 61 years, including the gardens, and helping the government in implementing socio-economic transformation programs.
“We have seen transformation in health, economics, social services and increased faith. Let us use the coming years to add more achievements,” she said.
She also joined the rest to congratulate Kabaka for reaching his 32nd coronation anniversary, praying for him to add more years.
The minister announced that she has lobbied for the district, including helping Mityana Municipality get a physical development plan which would cost the authorities Shs600 million to have it.
“With Mityana Physical Development Plan, we can now benefit from any form of development that comes. I was able to add Mityana Municipality to the list of beneficiary municipalities that will be in the first batch of USMID program,” she said, calling upon leaders to provide support to the government when time comes.
USMID is Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development, a program funded by the World Bank.
Minister Nabakooba also reminded the people of Mityana that she will be contesting again for Mityana District Woman MP seat in the coming 2026 general elections after going through unopposed in the ruling party primaries