Every year on February 15, pilgrims from Masaka Diocese and beyond make a spiritual journey across the waters to Bugoma in Kalangala District.
They gather on the quiet lakeshore to remember a historic moment in 1879 when two missionaries, Father Simeon Lourdel, popularly known as Mapeera, and Brother Amans Delmas first set foot in Uganda.
This year’s main celebration was held on February 22, 2026, a week after the official anniversary, to accommodate other diocesan events.
Yet the change of date did little to dampen the spirit. Despite heavy rain that soaked the lakeshore, thousands turned up for the pilgrimage at Bugoma Sub Parish in Bumangi Parish, some standing under trees as the congregation overflowed the main prayer grounds.
Leading the Holy Mass was Severus Jjumba, the Bishop of Masaka Diocese, who expressed deep gratitude that 147 years after the missionaries’ arrival, the Catholic faith remains vibrant in every parish.
In a sermon that blended celebration with reflection, Bishop Jjumba spoke candidly about modern-day challenges that threaten the strength of believers.
He warned against what he described as spiritual compromise, particularly among Christians who profess faith but still seek help from “fake” traditional healers and magicians who use tricks with needles or fire to deceive the unsuspecting.
The Bishop also challenged the faithful to examine their moral lives, urging repentance from sins such as sexual immorality, corruption, bribery and land grabbing. His message was clear: the missionaries brought light to dispel darkness, and that light must continue to shine through upright living.
He reminded the congregation that the Gospel first preached on the shores of Bugoma was meant to transform hearts and communities, not merely to establish structures. The anniversary, he said, should renew commitment to resisting temptation and remaining steadfast in faith.
Remembering the Humble Beginning
The story of Catholicism in Uganda traces back to February 15, 1879, when Mapeera and Amans arrived at Bugoma by boat. Their vessel developed mechanical problems, forcing them to dock temporarily.
During their stay, they were welcomed by a local chief, Ssekalaala, who offered hospitality in the form of cassava, sweet potatoes, matooke and fish. He also assisted them in repairing their boat, a gesture that would unknowingly become part of Uganda’s religious history.
After fixing the vessel, the missionaries resumed their journey, sailing onward to Kigungu in Entebbe, where they arrived on February 17, 1879, and formally began their evangelical mission.
Bugoma therefore stands not merely as a stopover, but as the first physical point of contact between Catholic missionaries and the land that would become a stronghold of the faith.
Preserving History, Building the Future
Recognizing the site’s historic and spiritual value, the Diocese has unveiled ambitious plans to transform Bugoma into a modern tourism and spiritual center.
According to Rev. Fr. Kizito Mujulizi Kakungulu, the Parish Priest of Bumangi, the development roadmap begins with restoring the exact location where Mapeera and Amans first stepped ashore. At present, the area is largely undeveloped, with trees, a school and scattered boats but few facilities for pilgrims.
Initial steps have already been taken. A large cross has been erected, and the Church has opened and secured the boundaries of its land. Plans are underway to construct modern toilet facilities to improve sanitation during pilgrimages.
Looking ahead, the Diocese intends to build guest houses and restaurants to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims who currently struggle to find places to sleep or eat during major celebrations. The vision is to create a center that serves both spiritual reflection and religious tourism, while preserving the sacred memory of the missionaries’ arrival.
A Parish Rooted in History
Bumangi Parish itself occupies a special place in Uganda’s Catholic heritage. It is the second oldest parish in the country. Founded in Bugoma in 1889, it was later relocated to its present site in Bumangi in 1891, where it continues to serve generations of believers.
As the rain fell steadily over the lakeshore during this year’s celebration, the symbolism was not lost on many. Just as the missionaries endured hardship and uncertainty when they first arrived, today’s faithful braved the elements to honor their legacy.
Nearly a century and a half later, the footsteps of Mapeera and Amans still echo in Bugoma. What began as a temporary stop to repair a broken boat has become a cornerstone of Uganda’s Christian story, a reminder that great movements of faith often begin in the most humble and unexpected places.
