Mengo Archdeaconry- St. Luke's Church Kibuye Parish under construction

Mengo Archdeaconry- St. Luke's Church Kibuye Parish under construction

An Artistic impression of St. Luke's Church Kibuye under construction

An Artistic impression of St. Luke's Church Kibuye under construction

Mengo Archdeaconry celebrates 130 years of Musa Mukasa Martyrdom

Every year, it becomes bigger and better. Every last Sunday of May, Christians from Mengo Archdeaconry walk from all corners of the Archdeaconry to Munyonyo, Mulungu to remember the 5th Martyr, Musa Mukasa.

Last Sunday 29th May 2016 was no exception. The service started at 10:00am with processions of Lay Readers, Clergy and the Bishop of Namirembe Rt. Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira.

The guest preacher was Rev. CAN Segawa the Principal of Uganda Martyrs Seminary Namugongo.

In his sermon, Can. Ssegawa said that Musa Mukasa was between the ages of 25 and 28 years by the time he was martyred. At his deaths he had spent 14 months in Christuanity. He was baptised on 15th February 1885 and met his death on 25th May 1886.

He said that the youths were the biggest number of martyrs. He called upon the youth to emulate him. He said that in most cases the youths wsnt to engage in get rich quick events.

He said that Musa Mukasa was a trustwothy person. He was a hard worker who served his King without fear or favour.

He said that Musa Mukasa wa such a.humble.man. He said that humility is a virtue all youths should emulate. He called upon people to behave like Mukasa did.

He said that the fear of God is the source of wisdom.

He said that if the church does not put emphasis on the children ministry, the Church might end up like in western Europe where churches are empty.
Below is part of Rev. SSegawa's sermon in Luganda.

Obuweereza obwo bwebutabeerawo ekanisa enafuwa. Mu bulaaya amakanisa gapangisobwa negafuuka amabaala ne.supermarket kubanga abantu abao tebaateekatrekebwa nga balyali bato. Tukulize abaana baffe mu kutya Katonda.

Lwaki Musa Mukasa yattibwa? Mukiweenda ekyokunonya abasomi.abanti baabaanga abomugaso tebattibwa nga. Abayimbi abaggazi abfumbi ababumbi nabalala tebaattibwanga. Emmamba eya Nankere babanga nohulambe obwobutattibwa. Musa Mukasa yalina ebirabo bingi kyokka tebyamuwonya kuttibwa.

Ekiseera kya Mwanga II kyali kya nkyukakyuka. Abantu baali bafunye n'okuyiga ebyenjawulo bingi. Ku lunaku Musa Mukasa lwe yattibwa Mwanga yali amaze okufiirwa emmundu ye nga egudde mu mazzi. Ebyobosuubuzi byali bikulaakulanye. Buli nkulaakulana lwejja abantu bakyusa embeera zaabwe. Mwanga yenyini yeyatta Musa Mukasa.

Mwanga yajjja okukulembera Buganda nga waliwo enkyukakyuka mu Buganda nga abazungu.nabawalabu.bamaze okusensera Obuganda.


Embeera eyo yamuletera okusalawo oluusi okutabanga kulungi naddala ebikwata ku nkulembera y'abantu. Ezo embeera n'abantu nobutonde bwaffe tebijja kuvaawo naye.ebyo tebituteetera kukulembera bantu n'omukono ogw'ekyuma. Mukama yatuwa obukulembeze obwo era abeera alina kyagala tutuukirize.

Dan 3: 15 ensangi zino tutera okusengeka ensonga Katonda zasobola nezatasobola.
Yategeezezza nti abantu basaanidde okukimanya nti Katonda ayinza byonna.

Nga ayogera ku bumalirivu bw'abajulizi.yategeezezza nti mubantu abattibwa e Namugongo,Mbaga tuzinde.yekka yataaloza ku muliro ogwentiisa kuba ye yakubwa mbukuuli ku mutwe.

Abajulizi abo baalina Omwoyo Omutukuvu nabeera nabo era nebwangula mu Kristo Yesu.

After the service that ended at 2:00pm, various parishes that make up the Archdeaconry presented items in their departments such as Fathers Union, CMF, CWF, Mothers Union, Sunday School, Youths and Choirs.

It was such a wonderful family day to see all Christians in this Archdeaconry seated together as brothers and sisters and competing in Christ Jesus. Over 20,000 Christians were in attendance. You could feel the presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit as the Choir led them into a jubilant Martyrs' anthem Bewaayo composed by Yusufu Byangwa.

Mengo Archdeaconry Celebrates 35 years

Today Friday April 1, 2016, Mengo Archdeaconry in Namirembe Diocese has started celebrations marking 35 years since it was curved out of Namirembe Archdeaconry.

Ven. John Gitta and Mr. Nalukoola addressing people that turned up for the gala

At the same time, Kibuye Parish is celebrating 100 years since it was curved out of Namirembe Cathedral in 1916 by the missionary Dr. Sir. Albert Cook, the father of modern medicine in Uganda.

Work going on at Kibuye

The celebrations held at the Archdeaconry Gardens kicked off at around 11;00am amidst heavy showers and thunderstorms. This seemed to be a sign of good luck since the past few weeks have been extremely hot and dry.

Penalty shoot out in Netball

Trying to shoot in the goal

The Archdeacon of Mengo, Ven John Gitta Kavuma flanked by his wife Margaret Gitta, said that the day was going to kick off with the eight parishes that make up the Archdeaconry to present various items in a competitive way. He told the congregation that they had decided to have a dressing code of a centenary apparel in all the centenary celebrations of the Parish and Archdeaconry Jubilee Celebrations.

In centenary apparel

He said that all the functions to be held during this period would be captured both audio, video, and still photographs and be placed in the Museum that will be  housed in the new Church under construction.




He said that the Katikkiro of Buganda had accepted to officiate at one of the functions when the Buganda Government will be giving thanks to the Lord for preserving the name Mengo after the Kabaka of Buganda Maj. Gen. Sir Edward Walugembe Muteesa II had been exiled by the Milton Obote government in 1966.

The adjudicators/judges headed by Dr. Kayanja

He said that after the Kingdoms were abolished, the name Mengo seemed to be fading away, but in the wisdom of the then Namirembe Diocesan Bishop Dr. Dunstan Kasi Nsubuga, he proposed that Namirembe Archdeaconry be named Mengo Archdeaconry in order to preserve the rich heritage of Mengo and Buganda Kingdom. He went on to say that the proposal was unanimously welcomed by the Diocesan Synod and adopted and in 1981, Kibuye Parish, was chosen to host and be the seat of Mengo Archdeaconry with Dr. Kityo as the first Archdeacon. More to how this came be adopted will be expounded by the Retired Archbishop of the Province of the Church of Uganda the Most Rev. Dr. Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyooyo on 3rd July 2016. (This will be published on this blog on that day. please wait for the news then).

Part of the team  that attended

The function was attended by the Vice Head of Laity and Chairman of the Construction Comittee of the Centenary Church Mr. Nalukoola. He was also the guest of honour of the day's function. Other diginitaries that attended included the following  clergy,  Rev. James Lubega (asst. Vicar Kibuye), Rev. Godfrey Kyanda (Masajja Parish), Rev. Moses Kayimba (Namasuba Parish), Rev. D.W. Bwete (Kibiri) and Rev. Jackson Mukuye (Ndejje Parish). It was also attended by the President of CWF in Namirembe Diocese, Mrs. Male, Lay Readers, members of the Archdeaconry Executive and Christians from all the 10 Parishes.

The Churches and Parishes through their various departments participated in the following items.

CMF members played the drums that call worshipers to Church (Damali akusigudde, togoba lukadde lwo, Musomesa ampita and Kabbo kajjudde)

Fathers Union: These played penalty shoot outs in soccer

Mr. Naigambi takes on Ordinand Kyobe in the goal

Mothers Union; These also played penalty shoot outs in Netball

Choirs; These sang an original composition talking about the history of Kibuye Parish and Mengo Archdeaconry.

CWF: These ladies participated in a Bible Quiz

The Youth Fellowships: These participated in the tug of war.

It was such a nice gala to see these Christians engaging in a Christian Competition with occasional praises to the Lord.

Prayer for the construction of the New Church

St. Paul Najjanankumbi Choir

St. Luke Kibuye Choir

Ndejje becomes the youngest Parish in Mengo Archdeaconry

Sunday March 13, 2016 will remain the books of history as the day the parish of Ndejje was inaugrated.

Rt. Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira
 preaching at Ndejje

In his sermonbased on John 12:1-15
The Archdeacon of Mengo Ven. John Gitta introduced the new parish to Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira  at a colorful function held at St. John's Ndejje.

Bishop Luwalira said that reason as to why he had come late was that he had been meeting in a fellowship of the Bishops of Buganda both serving and retired.

He said that he had been sending out Bishops to different Parishes.

He said that he thanked God for Ndejje parish. He thankred them for waiting for this day. He said that in 1987 when he was sent to Kabowa as a priest, he used to pass tbrough Ndejje to Lubugumu not knowing rhat one day thid will be a church anf a parish.

He congratulated Rev. Jackson Mukuye for accepting to.be the first parish priest.

His measage rotated at "We want to see Jesus" the person sent went to his friend and they both aoproached Jesus with the message.

Today God has sent Mukuye as thr parish priest, It is on record ghat Ven. Gitta is the Archdeacon of Mengo and Can. Kaweesa is the DS and Luwalira is the bishop.

Plan of the new Church from the eastern side

Plan of the new Church from the front side

He said that these days christians have been able to build and cpnstruct good churches and priests houses plus vehicles but people wabt to see Jesus.

The function was attended by the Diocesan Secretary Can. Nelson Kaweesa, the Archdeacon of Mengo Ven. Gitta, the Archdeacon of Luzira Ven. Isaac Membe Kijjambu, the Archdeacon of Nateete Can. Ntulume and a number of priests from the diocese and other dioceses.

He challenged the people of Ndejje to ensure that the Parish develops and grows but above all to ensure that people get to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and saviour.

We have hope in this parish. We have come here as witnesses when this parish attains the parish status.

Bishop Luwalira blesses the vehicle

He said that the way Jesus responds many people fail to understand. Time has come.for the son of God to be glorified. When he was crucified, we were all brought near to the cross. I want to thank you for building churches and houses.

They constructed a storied house for the parish priest.

He said that we can be in good houses, vehicles and all those luxuries but people want to know Jesus. They want to see Jesus.

Rev. Mukuye making his maiden speech at Ndejje Parish

He called upon people to stop saying that you are bringing pentecostal tendencies of praising amd worshiping in Church. People want to see Jesus.
Please.let people get to know Jesus.
Jackson be in that house but ensure that people get to know Jesus.

He said that after elections people need a lot of counselling. Let people get to know Jesus in your life.

Let Jesus rule in your life. If we have known Jesus, let us also make him known to others

He thanked the people of Ndejje for welcoming him to Ndejje. Above all he thanked his wife Abigail Mukuye for standing by his side in the pastoral work.

He thanked the parish of Kabowa for seeing them grow. They said they are going to build the.parish on a strong foundation of Christ Jesus.

They are to preach the living gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Parish is composed of four churches.
St. Johns Ndejje, St. Noah Bongole, St. Paul Lubugumu and St. Thomas Kibutika.

People have been saying that Ndejje parish is a one man parish but it is under Mengo Archdeaconry and Namirembe Diocese.
Jesus Christ the limitless is going to be their motto. They are going to construct a new  Church at the Parish Headquarters.
They are to carry out missions in the schools and they are planting a new church in Lufuka zone.

Development:
They plan to have development seminars. They have bought a vehicle for the parish priest. The Bishop will officially launch it today.

Education:
We shall have plans to work.with education institions

Other church departments:
He will ensure that all departments are working for the good of the Church.

Diocesan  Secretary Can. Kaweesa reads the Diocesan Council
 minute to transform Ndejje into a parish

On his part, the Head of Laity of St. Johns Ndejje Mr. Robert Ssemanda gave a brief history of the Church. He said that they were at first part of Lubugumu COU but later on realised the need to plant a Church in Ndejje. He said that they started under a Muwafu tree and later on put up a papyrus Church. Later on Mr & Mrs. Kiwalabye gave them a piece of Land where they built the current Church.

St. John's Church Ndejje, the seat of Ndejje Parish

He thanked the retired layreader of Lubugumu Mr. Ssemuddu for nurturing them despite the fact that they had broken away from Lubugumu Church. He said that they regarded him as their first Layreader.
The following are the lay readers that have served at St. Johns.
Edith Nmatovu
Kato
Nkata
Mabiriizi
Dan Mayombwe
Ordinand Kyobe
SsaalongoKaweesa Herbert
He also specially thanked  Rev. Zziwa Herberr Ssaalongo for accepting Ndejje to become a parish. and also thanked the Archdeacon for facilitating the process of turning Ndejje into a parish.

The Parish Priest's house

Bishop Luwalira breaks ground for the new St. Luke Church at Kibuye

The Bishop of Namirembe, the Rt. Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira on Sunday  broke the ground for the new St. Luke Church at Kibuye.

Bishop Luwalira breaking the ground at Kibuye

Below is was his sermon to the congregation:

Bishop Luwalira preaching at Mengo Archdeaconry Headquarters.

His message was derived from Psalm
127:1-2 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

He thanked God for the people that had turned up. He said that in Namirembe Diocese there were  a number of issues that show how the church .

Bishop officially breaks the ground

He said in Namirembe Diocese there were a number of churches; hospitals, schools and houses for the servants of God that had spent years. He says those indicate the journey the diocese has gone through.

He wondered how our ancestors who started building churches in this diocese managed to construct them to last for long.

He said that time had come to construct bigger churches because more worshippers had increased over time.

Aerial view of the ground breaking ceremony

He said that we need to keep antiqueties as we built New ones. He posed these qtns.
Weren't there abafere?
Tewaaliwo balsa njawulo?
Tewaaliwo batatunda bitatuuse?
He went on to say that those people had the fear of God. They wanted to do things in the right way.
These days there are so many abafere, abaagala enjawulo these are the Times. We want to pray to God to construct a church that will stand the test of time.
 

He said that unless God builds the house, they build in vein. He called upon the people of Mengo to let God be the builder of the Church.

He said that God is almighty and He can do everything and without Him nothing can be done.

He said that the head of the Church is Jesus Christ. He called upon people to let Jesus be the master planner, the architect and careful supervisor.

He appealed to the contractors to work diligently trusting in God the master planner.

Bishop Luwalira flanked by the Archdeacon
Ven. Gitta prays for the construction work

He Said that as we build the Church at Kibuye we ought to have His peace. He said that whatever is being done should be reflecting God's peace.

He asked them to listen to the voice of God without questioning. What Jesus tells you about this big work, you should do it. He will build this church. We should do this work without questioning. The good thing is that you have been around as we break the ground.

He later on led the Christians to the site and broke the ground and cast the concrete of the  first pillar of the Church.

Bishop leading the flock to the ground breaking site

From left to right. Ven. Gitta Archdeacon Mengo, Bishop Luwalira
and Rev. Kezekiah Walusimbi Kaweesa Asst. Archdeacon

Ven John Gitta introducing the note books