Kyanamira Catholic Parish Raises UGX 81 Million in Historic First BAAF Climax.
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish, Kyanamira Raises UGX 81 Million in Historic First BAAF Climax
Kyanamira, Kabale Diocese
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish, Kyanamira, has registered a major milestone in its young but promising journey after successfully raising UGX 81 million during the 2025 Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) climax, held barely four months after its elevation to parish status.
This marked the first-ever Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund function organized by the parish since it was canonically erected late last year. Despite its youth, the parish has demonstrated remarkable organization, unity, and commitment to self-reliance, setting a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
Soon after attaining parish status, St. Francis Kyanamira embarked on deliberate efforts to organize itself pastorally and materially. Among its early achievements is the establishment of a banana plantation, aimed at ensuring food security for the parish clergy and workers, a sign of long-term planning and responsible stewardship.
Equally significant has been the hands-on pastoral leadership exercised by the Parish Priest. Within the first four months of elevation, Fr. Charles Nikiema has already personally visited all Small Christian Communities (SCCs) within the parish, including the Kampala Muluka of Kyanamira. These visits have strengthened bonds between clergy and faithful, improved coordination, deepened faith formation, and enhanced ownership of parish programs among Christians both within and outside the parish geographical boundaries.
Within a short period, the parish has celebrated several “firsts” — its first Christmas, first New Year celebrations, first Confirmation of Catholics, and now its first Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund, each milestone strengthening the identity and confidence of the growing Christian community.
Presiding over the Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. Bruno Byomuhangi, who represented the Bishop, delivered an inspiring homily encouraging Christians to believe in their parish and confidently mobilize resources for its growth.
He reminded the faithful that what they were witnessing was history in the making. A parish still in its infancy but already vibrant, organized, and determined. He urged Christians to see giving as a shared responsibility in building God’s house for present and future generations.
The function was graced by Mr. Levic Kagoro, the Chief Guest, who received warm applause for his consistent support to the Catholic Church in Kyanamira. Despite being a Protestant, Mr. Kagoro has continuously stood with the Catholic community, reflecting a strong spirit of ecumenism and shared belief in God.
He contributed UGX 5 million and 100 bags of cement toward the finishing of the parish church and further pledged a complete set of new choir uniforms, recognizing the vital role of liturgical music in worship.
Several other distinguished guests were present, including Hon. Catherine Ndamira and Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba, the area Members of Parliament, who have earlier played a significant role in supporting the completion of the priests’ residence.
During the function, Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba supported the parish through the provision of 1,000 cartons of mineral water, which were later purchased through a supervised parish arrangement by well-wishers, generating UGX 10 million towards the parish development agenda. This approach ensured transparency and compliance with established guidelines.
Commendation of Faith, Service, and Unity
In his address, Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba, the incumbent Area Member of Parliament, commended Christians of Kyanamira for their strong faith, unity, and the warm reception accorded to their priests upon arrival. He praised the parish leadership for the impressive progress realized within only four months of elevation to parish status.
He also applauded Mr. Levic Kagoro for his love for God and endless support to the Church and congratulated the parish choir for excellent liturgical animation, pledging continued support whenever the need arises.
Dr. Hillary Aheisibwe, Chairperson of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund for Kyanamira 2025, challenged the young generation to take responsibility for building their Church, noting that while elders laid a firm foundation, the future now rests in the hands of the youth.
He personally contributed UGX 2 million towards the cause, emphasizing that action must accompany words if the Church is to grow.
The Chairman Parish Council, Mr. Odo Arigye, thanked Christians and guests for turning up in large numbers to support the parish’s first BAAF, describing the outcome as a clear expression of love and confidence in the young parish.
Broad Participation and Community Mobilization
All Hiikas (Small Christian Communities) across Kyanamira Parish were mobilized under their respective communities and actively contributed towards the cause, underscoring the parish’s strong grassroots structures.
The function also attracted several political leaders and aspirants for the 2025 general elections, including Eliab Mporera (Ndorwa West), Kyokwijuka Alexander (Ndorwa East), Donozio Banga Owomugisha, who is contesting for the LC5 Chairmanship, among others.
All funds raised will be directed towards the finishing and furnishing of the parish church and parish offices, as the parish prepares for the consecration of the church by the Bishop later this year.
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish, Kyanamira, is under the pastoral care of the Missionaries of Africa, led by Fr. Charles Nikiema (Parish Priest), assisted by Fr. Armel Somda and Fr. Balthazard Buhalagarha.
As the parish looks ahead with renewed faith and determination, the success of the 2025 BAAF stands as a powerful testimony to what unity, good leadership, and shared commitment can achieve — even in a parish barely four months old.
Story complied by Davis Owomugisha
