Rev. Fr. Kizito Mujuzi Kakungulu of Bumangi Parish in Kalangala District has celebrated 25 years of priestly ministry, marking a remarkable journey of preaching the Gospel, administering the sacraments, and serving God’s people with dedication and perseverance.
Fr. Kakungulu began his primary education in 1977 at St. Joseph’s Primary School, Ggulama. In 1984, he joined Bukalasa Seminary, and in 1990, he proceeded to Alokolum National Major Seminary in Gulu to study philosophy.
His arrival at Alokolum coincided with a period of intense insecurity caused by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency. His parents, Vincent Frelio Mukasa Kakungulu and Tereza Nakitto, became concerned for his safety and wanted him to abandon his studies.
However, Fr. Kakungulu remained determined to pursue his vocation. He reassured his parents that the Lord would protect him and his fellow seminarians.
Indeed, God sustained them as they pursued their philosophical studies amid the trials of war. Gunshots were a constant threat, and the situation was often terrifying, yet the seminarians persevered and successfully completed their studies. Praise the Lord!
Fr. Kizito Mujuzi Kakungulu was ordained to the priesthood on August 4, 2001, at Villa Maria Cathedral by the late Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa.
Throughout his 25 years of ministry, he has served in several communities, including Makukulu, Katimba, Kijukizo, Mpambire, Luvuule, Buyoga, Ntuusi, Bukasa, and Bumangi in the Ssese Islands, where he is currently stationed.
To mark his silver jubilee of priestly ordination, Fr. Kakungulu held a thanksgiving celebration at his birthplace, Ggulama Sub-Parish, in Bisanje Parish, Masaka Diocese.
The celebration brought together priests, religious men and women, Christians, family members, friends, and many other people of God. Holy Mass was presided over by the celebrant himself, while the homily was delivered by the Archdeacon and Dean of Bukulula Deanery, Rev. Fr. Timothy Ssimogerere.
In his homily, Fr. Ssimogerere encouraged priests to make compassion central to their ministry. He urged them to welcome everyone into the parishes where they serve without discrimination based on tribe, gender, or any other difference.
He noted that the people priests serve face numerous challenges and often look to the Church for comfort and support. For this reason, priests should demonstrate genuine love, listen attentively to people’s concerns, and show compassion, especially during difficult moments.
Fr. Ssimogerere also commended Fr. Kakungulu for remaining steadfast despite the many challenges he has encountered throughout his ministry. Among these were violent storms on Lake Victoria, running out of fuel while in the middle of deep waters, and disputes with Christians, particularly over the protection of Church land—matters that at times led him to court.
He further acknowledged the personal challenges Fr. Kakungulu faced, including conflicts with some Christians and situations in which people borrowed money from him and failed to repay it.
“As you celebrate, remember to renew your commitment, dedicate yourself to the Lord, remain obedient, forgive all those who have wronged you, and continue serving as a renewed person,” Fr. Ssimogerere advised.
He also cautioned priests against overworking themselves without taking time to rest. He emphasized that rest is important for refreshing the mind, renewing one’s strength, and reflecting on how one carries out the ministry.
The Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Severus Jjumba, represented by the Vicar General, Msgr. Dr. Dominic Ssengooba, thanked Fr. Kakungulu for his obedience and commitment to ministry, particularly his willingness to go wherever he was assigned and faithfully carry out his responsibilities with love.
He also commended him for maintaining good relationships with fellow priests, and Christians. Msgr. Ssengooba wished Fr. Kakungulu another fruitful 25 years of priestly service, leading him to his Golden Jubilee under the guidance and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In his thanksgiving message, Fr. Kakungulu expressed profound gratitude to God for everything He has guided him through during his journey to and in the priesthood.
Quoting Psalm 63:4, he said, “I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.”
He also thanked everyone who had supported him throughout his vocation, including those who stood by him during his studies, those he served in the various communities, and all who contributed to making his 25th-anniversary celebration a success.
After 25 years of priestly service, Fr. Kizito Mujuzi Kakungulu’s journey stands as a testimony to perseverance, obedience, faith, and trust in God.
His story, from the uncertainties of studying for the priesthood during a time of war to serving communities across Masaka Diocese
