KKCRA Ushers in 2026 with Praise, Unity, and a Renewed Call to Hope at Namugongo.


“Embaju Zoona Z’ensi”: A New Year Begun in Praise, Unity, and Hope.
By editor 
KKCRA Opens 2026 with a Powerful Word of God at Namugongo.
The year 2026 was ushered in with joy, praise, and deep spiritual reflection as members of the Kigezi Kampala Catholic Residents Association (KKCRA) gathered for their first Mass of the year at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo – Pavilion A. It was a celebration marked not only by song and prayer, but by a renewed call to unity, healing, and hope.
The opening hymn, “Embaju Zoona Z’ensi Zensi” by Msgr. John Barugahare, set the tone for the Eucharistic celebration. Its powerful refrain—“Embaju zoona z’ensi zareeba okujuna, kwa Ruhanga waitu”—echoed through the pavilion, reminding the faithful that all corners of the earth rejoice in the saving power of God. From the very first note, it was clear that this was not an ordinary gathering, but a sacred moment of recommitment as a community.
As he began his homily,
 Fr. Benedict Mubangizi was visibly moved as he addressed the congregation:
“I am today very happy that I am back here to be with you. Beginning a new year with you is always good to me.”
His words were received with warmth and familiarity, affirming the deep bond between the priest and the KKCRA family. He reminded the faithful that their gathering was not accidental but divinely ordained.
“We thank God for bringing us together for a common cause as one family from the Diocese of Kabale, now gathered here in Kampala. God has chosen you to come and meet a villager like me.”
This humble yet profound statement drew smiles and reflection, emphasizing that God’s grace knows no social labels, and that Christ meets His people wherever they are.

Fr. Mubangizi anchored his reflection in the universal Church, recalling Pope Francis’ declaration of 30th September 2019, which set aside the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time as Sunday of the Word of God. This, he noted, was not merely symbolic.
Leading the congregation into the Lord’s Prayer, he reminded them:
“This prayer is in the Bible. Every time we recite it, we are celebrating the Word of God.”
The message was clear: Scripture is not distant. It is lived, prayed, and celebrated. Reading the Bible, he emphasized, brings eternal life, heals wounds, and drives hatred out of human hearts.
“The Word of God chases away hatred in our hearts. It comforts us, confirms us, and heals the sick. Forgiveness is key.”

Drawing deeply from the First Reading (Isaiah 8:23–9:3), Fr. Mubangizi unpacked what he described as a timeless message of hope. The prophet Isaiah speaks to a people who once walked in darkness but have now seen a great light.
He reminded the congregation that suffering is not the end of the story. God’s intervention transforms despair into joy, marginalization into dignity, and sorrow into celebration.
“Do not lose hope,” he urged. “God always has the final word.”
In a world weighed down by personal struggles, economic pressures, and social divisions, the reading spoke directly to the hearts of the faithful: light still shines, and God still visits His people.

“I Will Not Remain the Same”
The homily was richly interwoven with song reflections, bringing theology closer to lived experience. One such song was “Tindija Kuguma Nkokundi”, meaning “I will not remain the way I am.”
Fr. Mubangizi explained:
“When my Jesus is with me, I cannot remain the same.”
He reminded the congregation that Jesus deliberately visited those society had written off those seen as nothing. When Christ enters a life, transformation is inevitable.

This reflection seamlessly flowed into another song, “Ija Otaahe Omunju Yaawe”—“Come and enter your house.” The priest challenged believers to open the doors of their hearts and homes to Christ.
“When Jesus enters your home, you won’t remain the same.”
He encouraged personal examination:
“Look into your heart. What must you leave to Christ so that He can remain with you?”

Reflecting on the Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:10–13, 17), Fr. Mubangizi confronted the danger of division within the Church and society. He reminded the faithful that while the apostles were gifted in many ways after Christ’s ascension—including healing and preaching—their mission was always unity in Christ.
Sadly, he noted, followers have sometimes lost focus.
“Some people come to pray depending on who is leading today. They forget that we come to church to look for Christ—not individuals.”
The reflection was reinforced by the song “Yihaho Eibare Ryaawe”—“Remove your stones.” The “stones,” he explained, symbolize internal struggles, pride, resentment, and personal wounds that block God’s saving grace.
“Remove your stones. Jesus saves you.”
Beyond Politics: One in Christ
In a particularly timely message, Fr. Mubangizi addressed political divisions:
“Even in politics, the season is over. Let us stop dividing ourselves. We are one in Christ—the only Son of God.”
It was a firm reminder that faith must rise above factionalism, calling believers back to reconciliation and shared purpose.
A Prayer for Healing and Renewal
As the homily drew to a close, the priest called on the congregation to open their doors to Christ, learn how to manage stress, and allow God’s Word to heal hidden wounds.
“Let us look into our hearts today and be healed, so that we may praise His name.”
A New Year, A New Beginning
The first KKCRA Mass of 2026 was more than a liturgical gathering—it was a spiritual reset. It reminded the faithful that hope is alive, unity is possible, and transformation begins when Christ is welcomed in.
Do not remain the same. Open the door. Remove the stones. Walk in the light.
Indeed, 2026 has begun—with praise on the lips and hope in the heart.

Popular posts from this blog

Fr. Tibemanya Urges Faithful to Use Resources Wisely at KKCRA September Mass.

Image
KKCRA September Mass at Namugongo Animated by Rubanda Deanery NAMUGONGO, UGANDA — September 21, 2025 The Kigezi Kampala Catholic Residents Association (KKCRA) community today gathered for their monthly Holy Mass at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine, Namugongo. The Mass was led by Fr. Tibemanya Ireneus, Dean of Rubanda Deanery, with co-celebrant priests, and animated by the faithful of Rubanda Deanery. In his homily, Fr. Tibemanya emphasized the need for prayer, justice, and faithfulness to God amidst the growing challenges in society. He cautioned families against letting money divide them, noting that “what truly lasts is not profits or power, but justice, prayer, and faithfulness to God.” Drawing on the first reading from Prophet Amos, he condemned societal inequalities and dishonest practices, while calling Christians to remain steadfast in prayer. Reflecting on the Gospel (Luke 16:1-13), Fr. Tibemanya explained that Jesus commends th...
Read more

Deacon Silas Aharizira Preaches Message of Compassion at Rushoroza–Kyanamira Monthly Mass

Image
Deacon Silas Aharizira Preaches Message of Compassion at Rushoroza–Kyanamira Monthly Mass MAKERERE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL CHAPEL, KAMPALA – Sunday, September 28, 2025 On the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the faithful gathered at the Makerere University Business School Chapel for the Rushoroza–Kyanamira monthly Mass, where Deacon Silas Aharizira delivered a stirring homily rooted in the Gospel call to simplicity, compassion, and responsibility for one another. Drawing inspiration from the day’s readings, Deacon Aharizira reminded the congregation that sin is not only committed through words and actions but also through failure to act when duty calls. “We sin when we keep silent in the face of suffering, when we withhold what we could give, and when we close our eyes to the needs of those around us,” he emphasized. The first reading from the prophet Amos became the Deacon’s launching pad. Just as Amos warned the Israelites who had grown comfortable...
Read more

Sacred Heart Parish Ntungamo Witnesses a Marriage Filled with Lessons for Families

Image
Sacred Heart Parish Ntungamo Witnesses a Marriage Filled with Lessons for Families by Davis Owomugisha  Sacred Heart Parish, Ntungamo, was on Saturday 13th September 2025 a place of joy and prayer on the day Daniel and Maria Hilda joined in holy matrimony. Friends, relatives, and Christians gathered to celebrate their union, with the Mass led by Rev. Fr. Nomugisha Januario, Youth and Children’s Director of Kabale Diocese. The ceremony was more than a wedding. It became a school of love and forgiveness, as Fr. Nomugisha used the occasion to remind the couple and the congregation about the foundations of a strong Christian family. “This love has brought us here as witnesses,” he began, calling on the faithful to pray for families modeled on the Holy Family of Nazareth. He expressed gratitude to the parents—both living and departed—together with benefactors, teachers, and all who had contributed to raising the couple. “Responsible parenthood is key,” he emphasized, pointin...
Read more