The Katikkiro delivering his message at Kitovu Cathedral
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Hon. Charles Peter Mayiga, has urged religious leaders to prioritize development among Christians.
Speaking during a Mass to open the sixth Diocesan Synod at Kitovu Cathedral in Buddu, held under the theme “To be a Church Deeply Rooted in the Gospel, Missionary, Walking Together, and Firm in Faith,” the Katikkiro emphasized the need for the Church to focus on development at both parish and individual levels to ensure smooth implementation of Church programs.
“I urge the Church to emphasize development at the parish level and among individual Christians so that all Church activities can flourish. I encourage religious leaders to prioritize the holistic growth of Christians even as they focus on spiritual nourishment,” said Katikkiro Mayiga.
He commended the Church for establishing schools that have greatly contributed to the education of Uganda’s children, but also noted the importance of strengthening unity and cooperation to maintain the Church’s institutions on a moral foundation.
A message from the Apostolic Administrator of Kampala Archdiocese, Msgr. Charles Kasibante, was read during the service, encouraging Christians to continue working together to strengthen and advance the Church’s mission.
The Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba, who led the Mass, said the purpose of the Synod is to help the Church reflect deeply, evaluate past achievements, and establish new approaches that will make it more effective in spreading the Gospel.
After the Mass, Katikkiro poses for a group photo with Bishop Jjumba
Bishop Jjumba added that the Synod aims to yield fruitful outcomes that will strengthen the Church’s faith, spirituality, and evangelization efforts through careful reflection on all matters concerning the Church.
The Bishop of West Buganda Diocese, Rt. Rev. Gasta Nsereko, thanked Church leaders for organizing the Synod and expressed gratitude for being invited. He said the gathering was a sign of unity and collaboration between various Christian denominations.
He added that the initiative will foster self-reliance, community growth, and the promotion of humanity under the guiding principle of a united and peaceful Church.
A Synod is a gathering convened by the Church to reflect on its mission, review progress, generate new ideas, and plan for the future.
The ongoing Synod has drawn participants from different backgrounds, including the Papal Representative from Togo, Rev. Fr. George Kwami Kouwonou; Bishop Gasta Nsereko of West Buganda Diocese and his wife; Sheikh Kiruuta Badru Wasajja, the regional Kadhi of Masaka; and many others.
The eight-day Synod, which started yesterday and runs until the 9th of this month at Kitovu Sports Arena, is being held under the theme: “To be a Church Deeply Rooted in the Gospel, Missionary, Walking Together, and Firm in Faith.”
The last Synod of this magnitude was held in 2003 and was presided over by the late Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa, then Bishop of Masaka Diocese.