UGANDA: “Stay Catholic and Grow Strong in Faith”, Bishop Kibira Urged the Youth
Masereka Peter
The Local Ordinary of the Diocese of Kasese Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira Kambale has urged them the youth to hold stay close to their Church and grow stronger in faith by focusing much on hard work, catechism and education.
Bishop Kibira who commended more than 3,500 youth gathered at Rwenzori High school in Ibanda Parish for discipline and love for the church, warned them against bad peer groups, acts of homosexuality and laziness, adding that if they are to succeed in life, they ought to embrace the life of prayer and the practice Catholic norms and values.
In his homily while presiding over Holy Mass at the closure of a four-day diocesan youth conference organized under the theme “called to bear good fruits” on 12th Jan 2025 at Rwenzori High School in Ibanda Parish, Bishop Kibira quoted St. Pope John Paul II, telling the youth to remain and stick to their mother Church, and seek for the intercession of Mother Mary while searching for their life marriage partners.
Bishop Kibira has expressed concern about the increased criminality among the youth which he associated to immoral acts, Drug abuse and Alcoholism.
The Prelate encouraged the youth to join groups that would add value to their future, saying the competitive world we are living in is not simple as young people may perceive it.
He was shocked by indecent dressing among the youth, which he said does not only expose their body, but signifies a lifestyle prone to immorality.
On his part, the Kasese Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Godfrey Sunday Baluku, encouraged the Catholic youth to prioritize education, spirituality and hard work among others, which he said will not only guarantee their bright future of self-reliance, financial independence and support to others but save their souls.
Fr. Sunday who is also the Nsenyi Parish Priest, said the big challenge among the youth currently is not only failure to love one another and being multitalented, but laziness and limited knowledge to rightly apply their talents as well.
The Diocesan Youth Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Joseph Tumusiime commended the parish youth chaplain and youth leaders for the good mobilization efforts he said have translated into big turn up of the participants. Hon. Bernard Masereka, the chairperson organizing committee, assured the youth of transparent management, good feeding and security among others.
On the other hand, the National Catholic head teacher’s chair, Mr. Joseph Nzukwa said the youth in and out of school have opportunity to grow in every aspect of life. “Hold on to hope, hope that the future is bright and full of possibilities. Embrace your education, spiritual, social economic and political growth as steps towards fulfilling your purpose in life”.
He encouraged them to stay grounded in faith and prayerful life and building a meaningful relationship that support youth growth, to seek opportunities for learning and skill development, and to take an active role in shaping your community and your community.
Mr. Muhindi, who said seventy five percent of the population in Uganda constitutes the youth, urged them to respect their parents and leaders and join Church ministries.
Some of the political contenders, including Ms. Marylyn Kabugho, Mr. Jonan Bamwenda and John Wa Kighoma, encouraged the young people to use their fresh brains to guide the politics of Uganda and spread the Holy Gospel of Christ.
Hon. Florence Kabugho, the Kasese District Woman Member of Parliament, called for active participation of the youths in the forthcoming general elections.
Mr. Martina Bwambale, encouraged the youth to engage in income generating activities as well as joining the fight against malnutrition in the District.
The Ordinary of the Diocese of Kasese, Rt. Rev. Francis Aquirinus Kibira Kambale has announced Kasanga Parish as the host of the Diocesan Youth Conference next year.
In the same Holy Mass, over nine couples received the sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
