Editor
Thousands of Christians gathered at the grounds of Our Lady of Good Shepherd, Rushoroza Cathedral Parish in Kabale District to celebrate its centenary amidst heightened security.
Rushoroza Cathedral Parish is the first Catholic parish in the entire Kigezi region, established on November 1, 1923, following its separation from Kitabi Seminary, now part of the Mbarara Archdiocese.
Originally founded by Yowana Kitegana in 1912, the parish became the seat for the Kabale Catholic Diocese, covering all districts in the Kigezi region.
The first priest, Rev Fr. Joseph Laane, a European, with assistance from Fr. Nicolet, administered sacraments at the church. The main celebrant for the centenary was H.E. Luigi Bianco, the Papal Nuncio to Uganda, assisted by Bishop Callist Rubaramira of Kabale Diocese.
Uganda’s Vice President, Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, attended as the chief guest, representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Distinguished guests included Ministers David Bahati (Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Co-operatives) and Henry Musasizi Ariganyira (Minister of Finance – General Duties).
Members of Parliament, such as Kabale District Woman Member Honorable Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira, Kabale Municipality Member Honorable Nicholas Kamara, former Rubabo county legislator Hon Mary Paula Turyahikayo and Ndorwa East County Member Honorable Wilfred Niwagaba, also graced the occasion.
Notable figures like Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Emmy Katabazi, Deputy Director-General of Internal Security Organization (ISO), and Kabale Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Nyakahuma were among the attendees at the celebration.
