St. Francis Kyanamira Catholic Parish Elects First Development Committee After Historic Inauguration.

St. Francis Kyanamira Catholic Parish Elects First Development Committee After Historic Inauguration
Kabale, Uganda – In a landmark step toward shaping the future of one of Kabale Diocese’s newest parishes, St. Francis Kyanamira Catholic Parish has officially elected its first Parish Development Committee. The move comes just weeks after the parish’s joyful inauguration, marking a fresh chapter of faith, leadership, and community growth in Kyanamira.

A Parish Born in Faith
On August 10, 2025, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese, formally inaugurated St. Francis Kyanamira as the 42nd parish of the diocese. Just a week later, the diocese celebrated yet another milestone with the creation of St. Barnabas Karujanga Parish, raising the total number of parishes in Kabale to 43. These developments reflect the rapid growth of the Catholic Church in the region and its commitment to taking pastoral care closer to the faithful.

For the Christians of Kyanamira, the inauguration was more than a ceremonial moment; it was the fulfillment of years of prayer, sacrifice, and a desire for localized pastoral care.

On Saturday 20th September 2025, the parishioners gathered once again—this time to elect their first leaders tasked with guiding the parish into this new era. The election process was spirited yet peaceful, producing a blend of experience, zeal, and dedication.

The new Parish Development Committee is as follows:
Chairperson: Oddo Arigye (also serving as the Arigcatechist)
Vice Chairperson: Anna Ahimbisibwe
Secretary: Rwakimari Pius
Vice Secretary: Katoma Timothy
Treasurer: Bridget Asinga
Head of Small Christian Communities: Niwagaba Vallence
Head Catechist: Deus Tubemanzi
Head of Social Communications: Counsel Dan Bitwenda (Bitwenda Co. & Advocates)
Deputy Social Communications: Alex Ahumuza
In his maiden address, Chairperson Oddo Arigye urged unity and hard work among the faithful, noting that effective leadership is the key to unlocking development. “We need strong leaders who can demonstrate hard work. God will reward our teamwork and dedication,” he emphasized. His call resonated with many who believe this new parish has the potential to become a model of faith and service in the diocese.

St. Francis Kyanamira Parish is entrusted to the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers), the congregation that first brought Catholicism to Uganda in 1879. Their historical legacy is intertwined with the evangelization of Kigezi, a mission that began with catechist Yowana Kitagana—the proto-evangelizer of the region.

The pioneer pastoral team serving Kyanamira includes:
Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Charles Nikiema (Burkina Faso)
Assistant Priests:
Rev. Fr. Balthazard Buhalagarha Grace (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Rev. Fr. Armel Somda (Burkina Faso)
Their international backgrounds reflect the universal nature of the Catholic Church and the missionary spirit that continues to shape Kabale Diocese.

Structure and Outreach
The parish is made up of 17 outstations (hiikas), organized under three main pastoral centers:

Kyanamira Centre: Kyanamira, Nyakatare, Kishekyera, Kigata, Kabaraga, Nyakijumba, Rubira, Rwakashande

Kacuro Centre: Kacuro, Kyarumanyika, Kitibya, Kihanga

Muyumbu Centre: Muyumbu, Nyakiju, Rwashenyire, Nyabitabo, Nyabushabi

This structure is designed to bring the sacraments, catechesis, and pastoral services closer to the faithful, ensuring that no community is left behind.

The formation of St. Francis Kyanamira Catholic Parish is more than an administrative expansion—it is a symbol of growth, resilience, and faith for Christians in the area. With the leadership of the newly elected committee, guided by the Missionaries of Africa and supported by the wider diocese, parishioners are optimistic about building a vibrant faith community rooted in service and unity.
As the parish begins this new journey, hopes are high that St. Francis Kyanamira will not only strengthen spiritual life but also empower Christians socially and economically, fostering a church that truly lives up to its mission of evangelization and holistic development.
Compiled by Davis Owomugisha 

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