The Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba, has called on men to reclaim their rightful role as heads of their families and spiritual leaders in order to restore dignity and stability in homes.
Bishop Jjumba made the call during a Mass to commemorate 125 years since the establishment of Narozari Parish, founded in 1900 by White Fathers led by Pere Gracy Felix, Pere Pierre Baurucel, and Bro. Raphael Brokelling Herman.
The Bishop lamented that in the past, Catholic men played a central role in family life—leading prayers, working hard to provide for their families, and belonging to religious groups such as the Uganda Martyrs Guild, which strengthened their faith and character.
“Go back to being the priests of your homes,” he urged. “Lead the morning prayers in your homes and do not allow any outsider to come and lead prayers in your family.”
Bishop Jjumba noted that when men take up their responsibilities, families thrive spiritually and materially. He pointed out that in the past, families had enough food, money to educate their children, and moral discipline rooted in Christian teachings.
He emphasized that for the Church to grow stronger, men must take an active role in nurturing faith within their households — teaching their children religion, instilling a work ethic, and contributing to the nation’s development.
Touching on Church doctrine, Bishop Jjumba also reiterated that the Catholic Church does not allow women to become priests, saying it would be contrary to its long-held teachings.
“It would be a taboo for a woman to become a priest,” he said. “If that ever happens, the Church will have deviated from its mission. Perhaps those who come after us may decide differently, but not in our generation.”
The Bishop further paid tribute to the strong foundation of faith laid by the early missionaries and families in Narozari, which emphasized daily family prayer and the recitation of the Rosary.
He noted that this spiritual culture shaped many prominent personalities from the area, including former Bank of Uganda Deputy Governor Louis Kasekende, Ambassador Alintumwa Nsumbu, and several others who have upheld the parish’s legacy of faith, discipline, and hard work.
The celebration of Narozari Parish’s 125th anniversary drew hundreds of Christians, clergy, and dignitaries, marking a milestone in the parish’s rich spiritual and historical journey.
