UGANDA: Bishop urges new National Catholic Heads of Laity to embrace teamwork
The Chairman of Lay Apostolate Commission of the Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), Rt. Rev. Paul Ssemogerere, also Bishop of Kasana-Luweero Diocese, has called upon the new leaders of the Uganda National Catholic Council of Lay Apostolate (UNCCLA) to embrace teamwork for the common good of the Church.
Bishop Ssemogerere made this call during the swearing in ceremony of the new UNCCLA leaders at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat premises on 24th, January, 2018.
with the new UNCCLA Executive Committee members
“I hope you will be able to work as a team in accordance with the oath of office that you have just taken,” said Bishop Ssemogerere adding that, “We are working in serving Jesus Christ but the devil wants to divide us. Let us not give him a chance and continue to work together as a Church.”
He urged the leaders to embrace teamwork by consulting all the stakeholders involved including the UEC as it
is a great path to achieving success, reiterating the importance of togetherness, saying, it is to foster collaboration, cooperation and good results.
“We live in an external world that needs guidance. Thus, without your support, sacrifice and hard work this body may not work. With idle inactive members it will take too long to execute. You should serve as role models to all faithful and embrace one another,” he added.
Executive Committee members
The swearing-in ceremony was overseen by Bishop Ssemogerere, the UEC Secretary General, Msgr. John Baptist Kauta, the UEC National Executive Secretary of Lay Apostolate Department Rev. Fr. Fred Tusingire and the outgoing UNCCLA president Charles Obbo.
Gervase Ndyanabo from Mbarara Archdiocese was sworn into office as president of the UNCCLA while Anthony Matega (Kampala Archdiocese) assumed the role of vice president. Seven other newly-elected UNCCLA leaders were also sworn in: Secretary Richard Akena (Arua Diocese); vice Secretary Augustine Murugahara (Kasese Diocese) and Treasurer Paul Baliraine from Jinja Diocese. Rose Ndekezi (from Tororo Archdiocese) took oath of office as Woman Representative while Robert Nyango (Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese) as Youth Representative.
Others are: Mrs. Emily Kitto Mwaka representing Kampala Ecclesiastical Province, Mrs. Mavenjina the representative of Gulu Ecclesiastical Province, Mr. Balinda from Fort Portal who representats the Ecclesiastical Province of Mbarara, and Mr. Robert Khamiza representing the Ecclesiastical Province of Tororo.
Ndyanabo, who is also the current chairman of the Laity in Mbarara Archdiocese since 2014, said it was with “humility, gratitude and honor” that he accepted the position of president and thanked the outgoing president and the entire Council for the commendable work that they have done.
“Taking an oath is a huge benchmark in our roles. We have been entrusted with key responsibilities of this office. We vow to always do the right thing for the right reasons and to help bring new change in the Church,” he said.
He also promised coordination, communication and consultation with all stakeholders of the Council with the support of the hierarchy of the Catholic Church in Uganda for more achievements.
In his speech, Msgr. Kauta warmly welcomed the new leaders and wished them all the very best in their new roles and tasks.
In accordance with the UNCCLA Constitution, the new leaders will also work alongside the ex-officio members of the UNCCLA Executive Committee who include the National Executive Secretary of Lay Apostolate, the National Youth Coordinator, the National Youth Chaplain and the National Women Apostolate Organizing Secretary.
The main function of the Executive Committee is to coordinate and encourage collaboration among apostolic Laity organizations, and among all the lay faithful and its member organizations in different spheres of life including spiritual, political, economic, social and cultural.
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By Jacinta W. Odongo, Media Officer, Uganda Episcopal Conference
