The Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Callist Rubaramira, has dedicated and officially opened the newly constructed Christ the King Parish Church in Rukungiri District, describing it as a lasting symbol of faith, sacrifice and unity among God’s people.
The dedication ceremony, held on Saturday, marked the successful completion of a 19-year journey by the parish community to construct a permanent place of worship. The celebrations also coincided with the parish’s 20th anniversary since its establishment in 2006.
During the dedication rite, Bishop Rubaramira blessed the church with holy water, consecrated the altar with Sacred Chrism and formally dedicated the building for divine worship, entrusting it to God as a sacred place where Christians will gather to celebrate the Eucharist and strengthen their relationship with Christ.
Delivering his homily, the Bishop urged Christians to remain firmly rooted in Jesus Christ, saying a fruitful Christian life is only possible through a close relationship with Him.
Drawing from the Gospel of John, in which Jesus describes Himself as the vine and His followers as the branches, Bishop Rubaramira reminded the congregation that true success and spiritual growth come from remaining united with Christ.
“With Christ we accomplish everything; without Him we fail. Therefore, give Him your time—not part-time, but full-time. Come to the church, the meeting place with God, and encounter Him there,” he said.
He encouraged the faithful to embrace prayer, reflect on the Word of God and faithfully follow His will, noting that those who abide in Christ become witnesses of love, faith and selfless service.
Reflecting on the significance of the new church, the Bishop likened it to the biblical Tent of Meeting built by Moses, where God manifested His presence among His people. He said the new church would serve as a sacred place where Christians encounter Christ, especially in the Blessed Sacrament.
During the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Rubaramira administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 229 candidates and challenged them to remain steadfast in their faith while courageously witnessing to Christ in their daily lives.
He also expressed appreciation to all the faithful, benefactors and well-wishers whose prayers, generosity and sacrifice contributed to the successful completion of the church.
Speaking on behalf of the Parish Council Chairperson, Mr. Karyeija Zepher Byaruhanga, the Vice Chairperson, Ms. Kemigisha Mary Mariet, thanked the Bishop for dedicating the church and confirming the candidates.
She revealed that the parish comprises three secondary schools, seven primary schools, one nursery school with 104 children, 22 Hiikas and 180 Small Christian Communities. She added that the Christ the King Community SACCO has grown to 1,612 members with a share capital of Shs243 million.
She outlined the parish’s future priorities, including surveying parish land and securing land titles, constructing a new presbytery and strengthening Lay Apostolate Movements such as the Legion of Mary, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Holy Family, Holy Childhood, St. Jude, Crusaders and Xaverians to deepen evangelization.
Kemigisha also paid tribute to the priests who have served the parish since its establishment in 2006, namely the late Fr. Polycarp Ahurwendeire, Fr. Felix Eugene Odeda, the late Fr. Vincent Bagarimu, Fr. Mathias Kwehangana, Fr. Julius Turyatoranwa and the current Parish Priest, Fr. Vianney Byaruhanga. Each priest received a cash gift of one million Uganda shillings in recognition of his contribution to the growth and development of the parish.
Representing the Government, Hon. Twinomugisha Sylvia Katimbira, Chairperson of Western Division in Rukungiri Municipality, commended the Catholic Church for complementing government efforts in education, healthcare and social services. She also urged citizens to actively participate in the forthcoming Local Council elections.
The Parish Priest, Fr. Vianney Byaruhanga, thanked Bishop Rubaramira for presiding over the dedication and administering the Sacrament of Confirmation. He also expressed gratitude to the Parish Council, catechists, leaders of the Small Christian Communities and all parishioners for their unwavering support and generosity throughout the construction of the church. He further appealed to parents to continue nurturing their children in the Catholic faith.
The celebrations were also attended by the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Onesimus Asiimwe, who called on Christians to promote unity and peaceful coexistence despite belonging to different Christian denominations.
Bishop Asiimwe urged believers to reject division and instead become ambassadors of reconciliation, mutual respect and harmony, saying such values are essential for building stronger communities and advancing the Gospel.
