The Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Dr. Paul Ssemogerere, has made changes to the roles of several priests in the archdiocese. The reshuffle, approved by the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Male Ssentumbwe, impacts various positions, including parish priests, assistant parish priests, deacons, and clergy serving in educational institutions and seminaries.
Rev Fr Joseph Mukiibi, the Archdiocesan Communications Director, confirmed that these reassignments are already in progress. He stated, “The changes are underway, with priests receiving their new assignments and beginning their roles in their new stations.”
Some notable changes include Rev. Fr. David Ssenkaayi, who has been serving at the Catholic University of East Africa, assuming the role of Rector at Katigondo Seminary in Masaka Diocese. Additionally, Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Katende, formerly the Chaplain at Kisubi Technical, has been appointed Vice Rector at Kisubi Seminary.
Rev. Fr. William Ggayi, who served as a Formator at Kisubi Seminary, has been named the Spiritual Director at Kisubi. Rev. Fr. Charles Herman Ssuuna, the former Spiritual Director, is now the Parish Priest at Kitagobwa Parish.
The reshuffle appears to include a deliberate effort to exchange priests between urban and rural areas within the archdiocese. For instance, Rev. Fr. Denis Kizito Ssebunnya, who was at Mitala Maria in Mpigi district, has been reassigned to Ggaba Parish, continuing as a parish priest. Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier Kikomeko has moved from Kisubi Parish to Mitala Maria, assuming the role of Parish Priest. Rev. Fr. Charles Ssengendo, who previously served as Parish Priest at Ggaba Parish, has become the Kisubi Parish Priest.
Several priests have received promotions, with Rev. Fr. Paul Ssekayala and Rev. Fr. Peter Lugobe now holding Dean positions. Some assistant priests, such as Rev. Fr. Alex Kambagira and Rev. Fr. Joseph Ssentongo, have also been promoted to Parish Priests at Kiziba and Gombe Parishes, respectively.
Seven priests are set to pursue further studies in Uganda and abroad, including two at the Catholic University of East Africa in Kenya. Three others will pursue Master’s degrees in education, and Rev. Fr. Alvin Tendo, a lecturer at St. Mbaga Seminary, will pursue a Ph.D. in Philosophy at Maynooth University in Ireland.
Three priests, Fr. Martin Massisa, Richard Ssendugu, and Everest Kiweewa, have been sent on missionary work in the United States of America and Canada. Rev. Fr. Edward Bwanika has been granted sabbatical leave, a customary practice in the Catholic Church after serving a certain period to enrich a priest’s life and ministry.
The reshuffle has had minimal impact on the higher levels of administration within the archdiocese, with some exceptions, including the appointments of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Sita as the Director of the Justice and Peace Department and Rev. Fr. Joseph Ekutte as the Coordinator for the Kampala Archdiocesan Health Department.
Archbishop Ssemogerere initially maintained existing leadership structures when he assumed his position, sparking speculation about his intentions among priests and lay leaders. Some believed he aimed to give each priest a chance to demonstrate their potential, while others thought he was taking a cautious approach to assess the situation before making new appointments.
