January 12, 2024 was a day marked in the history of Camillians in Uganda. A new house in Masaka (which would be a novitiate house in the future) was blessed and inaugurated by Right Reverend Bishop Serverus Jjumba, the Bishop of Masaka catholic diocese.

During his homily, the bishop assured that the whole diocese welcomed Camillians and invited all to be the “fireplace of faith.” Fr. Stephen Foster MI, who was supposed to inaugurate the house was absent due to his ill-health. Rev. Monsignor. Ssengoa Dominic, the Vicar General of the Diocese gave felicitation and words of blessings. Fr. James, the Pastoral care coordinator of the diocese, Fr. Kizito, Vicar for Religious in the Diocese, together with Parish Priests of the area, representatives from the Local Government, all the Camillian conferrers in Uganda, the temporary professed, Novices, and seminarians were present to bless the occasion. Fr. Acheleo Bisoborwa MI, welcomed the dignitaries prior to the blessing and Fr. Sojan Koonanickal MI, expressed vote of thanks.

After the Liturgical celebration, Bishop and other dignitaries planted a few fruit trees to mark the occasion. The Bishop was presented with a goat by Mission Superior Fr. Babychan as a sign of appreciation for his presence and permission.

In the year of Silver Jubilee of Camillian presence in Uganda (2024-2025), we can say that we are growing, far and wide, rooted in the charism our Heavenly patron St. Camillus showed us. Now Camillians in Uganda include 6 perpetually professed, 9 temporary professed, 3 novices, 8 philosophy students and 8 aspirants.

Camillian mission in Uganda are very grateful to God and the Camillian Irish Delegation for the actualisation of this house. Now the mission in Uganda has adequate structures for the formation: in Jinja, in Masaka and in Fortportal.