The Archbishop of Mbarara, Most Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha, has urged Catholics to reject tribalism, rivalry, and divisions, and instead strengthen their unity and commitment to proclaiming the Gospel. He made the call while presiding over the annual Mbarara Ecclesiastical Province Association pilgrimage at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo on November 9, 2026.
Archbishop Bainomugisha represented Bishop Vincent Kirabo, who was unable to attend due to ill health, and preached under the theme "Be My Witnesses." He challenged pilgrims to draw inspiration from the Uganda Martyrs, who remained faithful to Christ even in the face of death. The Archbishop described the five dioceses of Mbarara, Kabale, Fort Portal, Hoima, and Kasese as five lamps on one table, each carrying its own light but collectively producing greater illumination when brought together.
The Archbishop emphasized that the dioceses are not competitors but members of one Church with a shared mission of building God's Kingdom. He warned that tribalism, gossip, rivalry, and divisions should never define the identity of God's people. Archbishop Bainomugisha also reflected on the Christian journey, noting that life comes with challenges, but encouraged believers to remain steadfast because they do not walk alone.
Archbishop Bainomugisha challenged Christians to make their faith visible through their everyday actions, noting that being witnesses of Christ goes beyond religious gatherings to include how people conduct themselves in their families, workplaces, schools, public offices, and communities. He urged parents to raise their children with strong moral and Christian values, young people to resist dishonesty and negative peer pressure, and businesspeople to practice honesty.
The Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese, Rt. Rev. Robert Muhiirwa, also addressed the pilgrims, urging parents to take their responsibility of raising children seriously. He criticized those who send their children to boarding schools at an early age as a way of escaping their parental duties. Bishop Muhiirwa stressed that parents must remain actively involved in shaping their children's moral and spiritual lives.
Other Church leaders, including Bishop Francis Kibira of Kasese Diocese and Bishop Emeritus Callistus Rubaramira of Kabale, echoed the call for stronger Christian families. They reinforced the importance of strong family values in nurturing committed Christians. The annual pilgrimage was animated this year by Hoima Diocese through the Hoima External Residents Association.
The event also drew attention to the importance of cultural preservation, with Bunyoro Affairs Minister Mary Grace Mugasa challenging parents to be mindful of the names they give their children and encouraging families to teach young people their local languages. The next annual MEPA pilgrimage is expected to be animated by Kabale Diocese.
Key points
- Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha urges Catholics to reject tribalism and divisions.
- Church leaders emphasize the importance of strong family values in nurturing committed Christians.
- The annual pilgrimage promotes unity and faithful witness among Catholics from five dioceses.
