Makata, Lugazi Diocese – Sunday, 7 December 2025 Lugazi Diocese today celebrated a historic milestone as St. Francis Makata, formerly a sub-parish of Namagunga Parish, was officially elevated to a Diocesan Prayer Center under the patronage of St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary. The colourful and spiritually uplifting ceremony was presided over by Paul Ssemogerere, …
Makata, Lugazi Diocese – Sunday, 7 December 2025
Lugazi Diocese today celebrated a historic milestone as St. Francis Makata, formerly a sub-parish of Namagunga Parish, was officially elevated to a Diocesan Prayer Center under the patronage of St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary.
The colourful and spiritually uplifting ceremony was presided over by Paul Ssemogerere, the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, who officially opened and blessed the new prayer center.
Highlights of the Ceremony
The day’s celebrations included several important moments of blessing and dedication:
- The opening and blessing of the newly constructed church
- The blessing of the Marian grotto
- The installation of the Priest in Charge of the Prayer Center
- The blessing of the priests’ residence
Archbishop’s Message
In his homily, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere thanked God for the gift of the new prayer center and praised the Ordinary of Lugazi Diocese, Christopher Kakooza, together with all people of goodwill who generously supported the project.
In a special way, the Archbishop expressed gratitude to Captain Roy and his wife Daisy, who generously constructed the magnificent church and handed it over to the diocesan authorities as a place dedicated to prayer and evangelisation.
He encouraged Christians of Lugazi Diocese to fully utilize and further develop the prayer center as a place of spiritual renewal. Addressing the faithful of Makata in particular, he urged them to turn to Jesus Christ and abandon practices associated with witchcraft, embracing a life of faith and devotion.
Installation of the Priest in Charge
The Vicar General of Lugazi Diocese, Richard Kayondo, formally introduced and installed the Priest in Charge, Rev. Fr. Dominic Savio Abooki, who previously served as the Spiritual Director of St. Joseph’s Seminary Nyenga.
Msgr. Kayondo handed over the keys of the prayer center to Fr. Abooki and wished him a fruitful pastoral ministry. He clarified that although the diocesan prayer center falls under Namuyenje Parish, it will serve the entire diocese by hosting programs of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Lugazi Diocese.
These programs will be coordinated in collaboration with Rev. Fr. Jude Matovu and Fr. Dominic Savio Abooki. Msgr. Kayondo encouraged Christians from Lugazi Diocese and beyond to make full use of this important spiritual facility.
Words from the New Rector
In his remarks, Fr. Dominic Savio Abooki thanked God for the blessing of the prayer center and expressed gratitude to the Bishop for entrusting him with the responsibility of shepherding the people of God at Makata.
He called upon Christians to work together in unity and actively support the growth and development of the prayer center.
Appreciation from the Benefactor
In his speech, Captain Joseph Roy Zziwa thanked God for enabling him to construct the house of worship. He urged Christians to always respond generously to God’s call and support evangelization efforts, reminding them that “whatever we have belongs to God.”
He also expressed appreciation to Archbishop Ssemogerere, Bishop Christopher Kakooza, the diocesan administration, the residents of Makata, Engineer Ssewakiryanga and his team, and all people of goodwill who collaborated in making this project a reality.
A New Spiritual Landmark
The elevation of Makata Prayer Center marks a significant step in strengthening prayer, evangelization, and spiritual renewal within Lugazi Diocese. The center is expected to become a key destination for prayer gatherings, retreats, charismatic renewal activities, and spiritual formation programs for the faithful across the diocese.
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