Africa-Press – Uganda. The Catholic Church in Masaka Diocese on Friday marked 125 years of Naluzaali Parish with a colorful celebration that drew hundreds of Christians, government officials, and Buganda Kingdom leaders.
The event, held at the historic Naluzaali Parish in Kyanamukaaka Sub-county, was presided over by the Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Severious Jjumba, who used the occasion to call for honesty, justice, and responsibility among both leaders and believers.
Bishop Jjumba urged politicians currently campaigning ahead of the 2026 general elections to uphold truth and integrity rather than deceiving Ugandans for votes.
“Let politicians walk in truth and justice as guided by the Holy Scriptures. Leadership is a calling to serve, not an opportunity to mislead the people,” Bishop Jjumba said.
He also expressed concern over men who have abandoned their family responsibilities, leaving women to shoulder the burden alone, and appealed to men to reclaim their roles as heads of households.
The bishop further warned against the growing number of people abandoning places of worship and called on parents to raise their children in faith to build a morally upright generation.
The celebrations attracted several dignitaries, including Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, the Pokiino of Buddu Jude Muleke, Bukoto East MP Ronald Evans Kanyike, and Uganda’s Ambassador to Algeria Chrisestom Alintuma Nsambu, among others.
Ambassador Nsambu praised Naluzaali Parish for its contribution to education and community transformation over the years.
“This parish has played a big role in shaping the education sector in this region. Many prominent people trace their roots and values from the Christian foundation laid here at Naluzaali,” Nsambu said.
Hon. Kanyike called for peaceful campaigns and elections, urging leaders to emulate Naluzaali’s spirit of unity and service.
“Let us compete with ideas, not hatred. Our people deserve development and peace, not division,” he said.
The Pokiino of Buddu Jude Muleke decried the poor state of roads and education in the area, urging government to prioritize infrastructure development and environmental protection.
In her remarks, Prime Minister Nabbanja cautioned the people of Masaka against being misled by self-seeking politicians. She emphasized that the government has made major strides in improving education and health but admitted that more still needs to be done.
“This government has done a lot to uplift our people, especially in education, because Masaka has four sub-counties and every sub-county has a secondary school. Here, there is a seed school that government built in Bukakata, and of the 18 parishes in this district, there are 42 government primary schools, which means that government has performed more than expected. So government has done well, and we are committed to addressing the remaining challenges,” Nabbanja said.
She also pledged that government will soon rehabilitate the Kyanamukaaka road to ease transport and trade in the area.
Delivering the President’s message, Nabbanja said President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had commended religious institutions for supporting national development and urged the clergy to continue guiding communities on government programs aimed at improving livelihoods.
A Parish with a Rich History
Established on April 21, 1900, Naluzaali Parish was the first Catholic mission station in the area, dedicated to Saint Mary of Naluzaali. The land on which it stands was donated by the Buganda Kingdom, marking a lasting partnership between faith and culture.
For decades, Naluzaali has been a center of both spiritual and educational transformation, producing many influential religious and community leaders across Masaka and beyond.
Resident Joanita Nalule recalled how Naluzaali has transformed the community’s beliefs over time.
“This place was once known for shrines, and many people were traditional healers. But when the church was established here, people gradually shifted from traditional worship to Christianity, and life in the community changed completely,” Nalule said.
The parish’s jubilee celebrations, which began in 2001, have since become a unifying event for Christians in the region. This year’s celebration was held under the theme: “Naluzaali: Growing in Faith and Development.”
For many believers, Naluzaali remains a beacon of faith, education, and transformation — a place where culture met Christianity, and where the journey of spiritual renewal continues.
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