ACWECA: Transformative, Holistic Formation of the Religious: New President of ACWECA’s Dream of Tenure
Sr. Grace Kyomugisha - ACWECA President holding the bible received as a gift from the outgoing president
Sr. Helen Kasaka
ACWECA’s new President Sr. Grace Kyomugisha says she will need support and cooperation from member conferences to achieve transformative holistic formation, sound mental health, and capacity building during her tenure of office. She explains more in this interview.
What can you say about the 19th Plenary Assembly that took place in Malawi?
The 19th Plenary Assembly was an opportunity for the religious in the ACWECA region to meet and share successes and challenges of religious life in the 21st century without blaming anybody
How does it feel that you were elected president of ACWECA at the 19th Plenary Assembly?
I was surprised first of all by the election that came up with my name. I have mixed feelings: joy, confidence, fear, and wonder. Confidence in the Lord God that He is the one who chose me and that He will do it. Fear because I look at myself with my human limitations and I wonder whether I will deliver something beneficial for the ACWECA body. In short, God is my strength.
What is it that you would want to achieve during your tenure of office?
I am not looking at achieving anything during my tenure without the cooperation and support of member conferences. There is a mandate that was given by the Plenary Assembly held in Malawi from August 19th – 24th 2024 which is our guiding touch. Top on this mandate is transformative holistic formation, mental health, and capacity building across the ACWECA region and beyond.
Do you see transformative holistic religious formation being possible in ACWECA? How will your leadership promote that?
Transformative holistic formation is an ongoing process that has already been started; and for the next three years, we shall build on this and add on pertinent issues like mental health, care for the elderly, and technology just to mention a few. Through coordination, collaboration, and networking, I believe it will be achieved beyond the expected time. But it is a concerted effort that involves many stakeholders: National Conferences, Partners, the Church, and even society.
Tell us about yourself, your family, your educational background, and your religious life
Both my parents are dead; may their souls rest in peace. I have three brothers and three sisters, we are seven children of my parents. We are born of peasants, Catholic, and very peaceful parents. I am the 4th born and I love being with my siblings, nieces, and nephews.
I come from Village Kabusye, Sub- County Kigarama, Sheema District, and I am a Ugandan.
Education
I have a Bachelors Degree of Arts in Ethics and Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi, a Masters degree in Ethics & Development Studies, and a Diploma in Human Resource MGT also from Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi. I also did a Certificate program in Chapter Facilitation offered by the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU) Nsambya.
Responsibilities
I have taught catechism in several parishes; I have been a hospital administrator, formation coordinator, community animator, Generalate Vicaress of my congregation, Assistant Secretary General for the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU) and currently I am the Superior General of the Congregation of Our Lady of Good Counsel.
Othe responsibilities include: Member of Board of Governors, Maryhill High School; Member of Board of Governors, St. John’s Secondary School Nyabwina; Member of Economic Commission, Mbarara Archdiocese; Member Diocesan Health Board – Mbarara Archdiocese; Member of Finance Committee, Institute of Our Lady of Good Counsel; Member of Formation Committee, Institute of Our Lady of Good Counsel; Member of Board of Governors, Mutolere Hospital – Kisoro; and Facilitator of Chapter for a number of Religious Institutes
My hobbies include Reading books especially Bibliography and Bible, listening to Gospel Music, doing social development projects with special attention to humanity, listening to people.
