KKCRA Leaders Hold Strategic Retreat in Namugongo, Chart Path for a Thriving Catholic Community.

KKCRA Leaders Hold Strategic Retreat in Namugongo, Chart Path for a Thriving Catholic Community.
 By Davis Owomugisha, Secretary for publicity KKCRA.
Kampala, Saturday 31st January 2025 
Leaders of the Kigezi Kampala Catholics Residents Association (KKCRA) on Saturday convened at Kyoto Hotel, Namugongo for a one-day leadership retreat aimed at deepening unity, strengthening leadership, and setting a clear roadmap for the association’s future.

Held under the theme “Leadership in the Church: Creating a Thriving Community,” the retreat brought lay leaders in a reflective and practical engagement on the mission of the Church and the role of the laity in contemporary society.

The retreat provided space not only for planning but also for theological reflection, learning from lived experience, and recommitting to service.

Canon Law and the Laity: Reimagining Participation in the Church
The day’s central presentation was delivered by the Caretaker, Rev. Fr. Dr. Godfrey Cyiza, whose well-researched and thought-provoking exposition focused on Canon Law and the Laity, under the sub-theme “Reimagining the Role of the Laity in the Church.”
Drawing from Church teachings, canon law provisions, and pastoral experience, Fr. Dr. Cyiza guided participants through the legal and spiritual foundations of lay participation in the life of the Church. He emphasized that the laity are not passive beneficiaries of Church ministry, but active partners in evangelization, leadership, and community transformation.

His presentation highlighted the rights and obligations of the laity as provided for in canon law, stressing collaboration with ordained ministers, responsible leadership, accountability, and mission-oriented service. Participants were challenged to move beyond routine participation and instead embrace informed, intentional involvement in parish life, associations, and diocesan initiatives.

The session sparked thoughtful engagement, helping leaders to better understand their roles not merely as administrators, but as co-workers in Christ’s mission, entrusted with shaping vibrant Christian communities both in Kampala and back home in Kigezi.

Learning from the Past, Shaping the Future
The retreat was also graced by the Head of Laity  Kabale Diocese Mr Odo Tumwekwase, who presented a session titled “Learning from the Past and Present: Experiences of the Laity in Kabale Diocese.” His address traced the journey of lay leadership in the Diocese, reflecting on successes, challenges, and lessons drawn from years of faithful service.
He called upon KKCRA leaders to remain connected to their roots and to see themselves as ambassadors of development, innovation, and positive change. Emphasizing the value of exposure and skills gained in Kampala, he urged members to deliberately channel these innovations back to the Diocese to support pastoral growth, social development, and community empowerment.
His message resonated strongly with the gathering, reinforcing KKCRA’s founding vision of unity, faith, and service beyond geographical boundaries.

Strategic Planning and the Road to 2026
A key practical outcome of the retreat was a group-based strategic planning exercise, where participants broke into teams to develop a 2026 action plan, set to be implemented with immediate effect. These discussions focused on leadership structures, community engagement, spiritual formation, communication, and sustainable activities aimed at strengthening the association.
In addition, KKCRA Chairman, Mr. Naris Rwangoga, presented the KKCRA Strategic Plan, opening it up for members’ input, discussion, and collective ownership. The session underscored the importance of shared vision, coordinated action, and measurable goals in steering the association forward within the year.
Members welcomed the strategic direction and committed themselves to active implementation, emphasizing teamwork, transparency, and service-oriented leadership.

The retreat concluded on a spiritual note with Holy Mass at the chapel, grounding the day’s discussions and resolutions in prayer and thanksgiving. 
The retreat’s message remains clear: Effective Church leadership begins with informed laity, shared responsibility, and a deep sense of mission.
 kkcra2021@gmail.com

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