The Archbishop of Kampala His Grace Paul Ssemogerere has returned from Ad Limina Apostolorum visit in Rome.
All Bishops of the Uganda Episcopal Conference departed from Uganda on 14th March 2026 to Rome for a long week visit to the Pontiff – Ad Limina Apostolorum visit until 22nd March 2026, a requirement every five years, for the Catholic diocesan bishops to go to Rome to pledge allegiance to the holy see, report on their dioceses to the Pope and also visit the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul.
The Bishops also visit Vatican offices, to strengthen the unity between the local church and the Holy see.
On his return Archbishop Ssemogerere proceeded to St. Charles Kaloli Lwanga Ggaba Parish to bless, commission and place the statue of Our Mother Mary of Kibeho “Mother of the Word” and Our Lady of Sorrows in the newly constructed Grotto located in the Prayer Park.
The event started with a Eucharistic Mass where His Grace Ssemogerere thanked the faithful for the journey mercies, they all returned healthy and sound. He reported that the Pope was happy to receive them on behalf of the Catholics in Uganda and prayed for Uganda based on the faith through the Uganda Martyrs to remain strong in faith the young the youth and adults.
The Pontiff gave them 1 hour and 20 minutes instead of 40 minutes where he also informed them that he once stepped on the soil of Uganda at Entebbe in 2012 when he was still the leader of Congregation of Augustinians.
Archbishop Ssemogerere received a cross and a rosary from the Pontiff to pray for his flock.
On the side of Our Mother Mary of Kibeho – Nyina wa jambo – His Grace said the newly constructed Prayer Park will be a place of encounter with mother Mary to intercede for each one’s needs before God, a place of consolation and comfort.
He said the apparitions of Mother Mary are always the same emphasizing; Prayer and Repentance virtues that coincide well with the holy season of lent. Once the faithful refuse to commit from the evil acts which is always the cry of Mother Mary, condemnation will befall humanity.
Archbishop Ssemogerere prayed for self reflection from each and every person live true Christian life in word and actions which are currently missed in Uganda much as it’s regarded as prayerful community.
Archbishop Ssemogerere also commissioned a five member committee that is to oversee the spiritually of our lady of Kibeho in Uganda; Msgr Charles Kasibante, Msgr Lawrence Ssemusu, Fr. Joseph Mukasa Nkeera, Mrs Angela Ssali representing women and Mr. Gerald Agamba representing men.
He also made a proclamation that every 27th March will be the annual celebration of the day of Mother Mary of Kibeho at Ggaba and monthly pilgrimages every first Saturday of the month to the prayer park.
He thanked Rev. Fr. Denis Ssebunya the Parish Priest of Ggaba Parish for this initiative and keeping the congregation in the spirit of God.
The mass was attended by among other dignitaries and the faithful including a delegation from Rwanda where the apparitions of Mother Mary were experienced in between 1981 and 1989, before it was officially approved by the Vatican in 2001.
By Jjunju Francis
27th March 2026
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