The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, has been warmly welcomed back following the ‘Ad Limina Apostolorum’ visit to Rome.
All bishops under the Uganda Episcopal Conference departed Uganda on 14 March 2026 for a week-long visit to the Vatican, which concluded on 22 March 2026.
The Ad Limina Apostolorum visit, held every five years, is a significant obligation for Catholic diocesan bishops.
It involves meeting the Pope, reporting on the state of their dioceses, pledging allegiance to the Holy See, and visiting the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul.
The bishops also engage with various Vatican offices to strengthen the bond between the local Church and the universal Church.
Upon his return, Archbishop Ssemogerere presided over his first Eucharistic celebration at a special event held at St. Charles Lwanga Ggaba Parish.
During the ceremony, he blessed, commissioned, and installed statues of Our Mother Mary of Kibeho, “Mother of the Word,” and Our Lady of Sorrows at a newly constructed grotto within the parish Prayer Park.
In his remarks, the Archbishop expressed gratitude to the faithful for their prayers during the journey and shared highlights of the bishops’ reception by Pope Francis.
He also prayed for Uganda to remain steadfast in faith through the intercession of the Uganda Martyrs.
He revealed that the Pope gifted him a cross and a rosary to support his pastoral mission.
Speaking about the devotion to Our Lady of Kibeho, also known as ‘Nyina wa Jambo’, Archbishop Ssemogerere described the new Prayer Park as a sacred space for encounter with the Blessed Virgin Mary, a place of consolation, reflection, and spiritual renewal where the faithful can present their needs before God.
He called on all Christians to embrace self-reflection and live authentically in both word and action.
The Archbishop also commissioned a five-member committee to oversee the spirituality and devotion to Our Lady of Kibeho in Uganda.
The committee includes Msgr. Charles Kasibante, Msgr. Lawrence Ssemusu, Fr. Joseph Mukasa Nkeera, Mrs. Angela Ssali representing women, and Mr. Gerald Agamba representing men.
In addition, Archbishop Ssemogerere proclaimed that 27 March will be observed annually as the celebration of Mother Mary of Kibeho at Ggaba.
Monthly pilgrimages to the Prayer Park will also take place every first Saturday of the month.
