MBARARA, Uganda — The Archdiocese of Mbarara has announced the dates and venues for the ordination of 26 candidates to the diaconate and priesthood in 2026, ending weeks of anticipation after the ceremonies were delayed by uncertainty caused by the deadly Ebola outbreak.
The ordination dates had not been announced earlier as the Archdiocese monitored the country’s Ebola situation, which disrupted planning for major public gatherings. With the health situation improving, the Archdiocese has now confirmed that the ceremonies will proceed.
In a letter dated July 3, 2026, the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Mukasa Balikudembe, writing on behalf of Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha, said the ordinations would proceed following the publication of the canonical banns in mid June.
The main ordination ceremony will take place on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral in Nyamitanga, where 24 candidates will receive Holy Orders.
Two candidates, Deacons Marius Akoromwiguru and Felix Twinomugisha, will instead be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Mushanga.
The Archdiocese called on the faithful to continue praying for all the candidates as they prepare for this important milestone in their ministry.
The 16 candidates for ordination to the diaconate are Wilbroad Abenawe (Mabonwa), Onesmus Arinda (St. Kagwa), Rodrick Asiimwe (Kashekuro), Hillary Atwongyere (St. Kagwa), Hillary Bimanywa (Kashekuro), Drakie Gumanamukama (Ryakahimbi), Vincent Muhangi (Kitabi), Pastori Nabaasa (Kitabi), Chrispus Nasaasira (Nyakyera), Aventino Ngabirano (Kashekuro), Tedero Nuwamanya (Kitabi), Levi Tukamusiima (Ntungamo), Julius Tumuhimbise (Nyamitanga), Emmanuel Tumusiime (Mabonwa), Richard Tumwesigye (St. Kagwa), and Benjamin Turinawe (Mabonwa).
The 10 candidates for ordination to the priesthood are Jude Ahimbisibwe (Buhungiro), Derrick Aijukye (Ibanda), Marius Akoromwiguru (Mushanga), Evarist Baguma (Kishariro), Leonard Birungi (Butare), Sostine Nasaasira (Kitabi), Innocent Ninsiima (Kagamba), Gilbert Nomuhangi (Katukuru), Felix Twinomugisha (Mushanga), and Araphael Tumushabe, A.J. (Kitwe).
Led by Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha, the Archdiocese of Mbarara is one of Uganda’s largest Catholic jurisdictions, serving 12 districts across western Uganda through 69 parishes. The archdiocese plays a central role in pastoral ministry, education, health care and social development across the region.
The announcement follows the Catholic Church’s canonical practice of publishing banns before ordination, giving the faithful an opportunity to raise any known impediments before candidates receive Holy Orders.
Catholics throughout the archdiocese have been invited to attend the ordination ceremonies and to continue praying for the candidates as they prepare to begin the next stage of their ministry.
