Dr. Fr. Edward Kanyike Mayanja is the former Comboni Provincial superior of Malawi/ Zambia province, a position he held for six years, till 31st Dec 2019, when his term ended. He returns home to continue his missionary experience at Philosophical centre in Jinja. Fr. Kanyike was Born on 5th December 1957 in in Kiganwa village in Mityana district. At an early age, he went to live with his grandparents in Sugezi village where he began school at Sugezi Primary School. At the age of 10, he returned to his parents and went to Busubuzi Demostration school where he was until primary six.

His dream to become a priest was realised at his grandmother’s home where he expressed his zeal to be like a priest who was at their sub parish, although he could not understand the priest’s job description. In 1971, he began chasing this dream. He joined Nswanjere Junior Seminary where he sat his primary seven examinations in 1972. In 1973, he was admitted to Kisubi Minor Seminary where he studied for three years, never letting go of his dream to priesthood.

Fr. Kanyike sat his Ordinary level examination at Kisubi. But, he did not proceed to Advanced level, instead he got admission to Alokolum Major Seminary for a Diploma in Philosophy and higher ecclesiastical studies which he combined with Postualancy.

Along the way of his journey to priesthood at Kisubi, he was oriented to become a missionary priest in 1976. After getting in touch with a missionary, Fr. Kanyike picked interest in becoming a missionary. He was told about the charism of St. Daniel Comboni and he chose the Comboni missionaries unreservedly. He would later join another novice Fr. Oparagiu in Kisubi as the first Ugandan novices to do novitiate in Uganda for the Comboni missionaries in 1980. After one year, they were moved to Tartar in west Pokot in North West Kenya. At the end of his novitiate, Fr. Kanyike took his first vows while still in Kenya. He then joined the scholasticate back in Uganda. In 1985, he was ordained a priest at Our Lady of Africa, church, in Mbuya, by the then Papal Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Karie Rauber.

He also advises that one needs to live the experience of faith with people around you. By doing so, one can overcome prejudice, not to curse their weakness by thinking that one’s culture is superior over others

He was then admitted at Ggaba Major Seminary to do a degree in theology. After completion of his degree, he began his missionary work in DR Congo and his first station was St. Camil in Kisangani diocese where he worked for two years, but doing only pastoral work. In the third year, he began teaching at a postulancy in Kisangani. After one year as a formator, Fr. Kanyike joined Faculte Catholiques De Kinshasa for a Master’s degree, which took him three years. At the university, he would combine studies with pastoral work.

After his Master’s Degree, he returned to Kisangani, and began teaching at Institut Edith Stein postulancy for four years. He was then asked to return to Uganda and assigned to Philosophical Centre Jinja (PCJ) where he taught for three years.
He went to Rome in 1999, to pursue a doctorate course in Philosophy at Angelicum University. Upon completion of his doctorate course, Fr. Kanyike was sent to Malawi where he taught for ten years at Inter- Congregation institution Baraka in Mangochi diocese.

Fr. Kanyike revealed that he lived the first five years in Malawi at the parish doing parish work while teaching at the Major Seminary in Kachebere. He was made the dean of studies before becoming a Rector of the major seminary. Six years ago, Fr. Kanyike was elected the provincial Superior of Malawi/ Zambia province a mandate he completed on 31st December 2019.
He added that his Superiors requested him to return to Uganda, to Philosophical centre in Jinja to continue his missionary work.Fr. Kanyike said he enjoyed his missionary experience as a formator for future priests in Congo. He added that, he learnt different languages and cultures while in Congo. He noted that when he sees his students as priests and dedicated Christians, he feels the joy of a parent.

The challenge he faced was adapting to new cultures and languages but he soon found a solution. Fr Kanyike advises that in order not to make people feel like strangers around you, is to love them. That is exactly what he did being a young priest of 27 years. With the experience from Seminary, combined with the life he had chosen to heed to the call from God, his life was made easy.

In Congo, he was referred to as an elder brother by the postulants, because he would not only teach them, but pray and play with them. He would help the postulants solve many of their problems and he helped them to embrace their Christian faith. Fr. Kanyike embraces the role of culture in people’s lives. He picked interest in tradition after learning that behind different things Africans do, culture was behind it.

He noted that while in Malawi, he would go on national Television and teach the Malawians about their culture which made them wonder how he had learnt their culture, easily, and so well. He added that this was an aspect that always brought him joy. The former Provincial Superior said that it is not enough to learn people’s language, but people need to learn culture because language is a bi-product of culture.

Fr. Kanyike did not only embrace the different cultures while outside his country but went as far as leading by example. One time, he had to embrace the Congolese culture by eating caterpillars which came as a shock to him. He also advises that one needs to live the experience of faith with people around you. By doing so, one can overcome prejudice, not to curse their weakness by thinking that one’s culture is superior over others.

After living in Malawi for a long time, it was hard for him to reveal to them that he was leaving. They were heartbroken, but that is who we are; missionaries; spreading the Gospel to all and touching many lives.

Mission ad gentes

Someone once asked me what that word really means and I responded jokingly that I am a “missionary” ad gentes. In fact, we as Comboni missionaries are people prepared for the evangelization in the world; mission ad gentes. Although we always think that it’s only the work of the missionaries to spread the gospel, we have to remember that the church is by its “nature” missionary. In the gospel of Mathew 28:19, Christ sends his disciples to spread the good news to the whole world. Also in his letter to the Ephesians 3:8, St. Paul recognizes the necessity and the concern to preach the gospel not to his fellow Jews, but to the gentiles, “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”

The church on exit

We are living in the times of grace where the whole church especially here in Latin America is asked to move out and meet the poor, the most abandoned and rejected people. The Holy Father Pope Francis in these words clarifies this: “I prefer a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.” In fact, there is a saying here that: “difficult missions are for the combonis”.

My missionary journey

My journey to priesthood started when I moved from Ibanda to Mbuya parish. For the six years at St. Kizito S.S.S Bugolobi, I saw many Comboni missionaries and this increased my desire for missionary life. In my vocational journey, I had different missionary experiences in Jinja, Zambia-Lusaka and lastly Brazil – São Paulo. There is nothing impossible in this life. St. Daniel Comboni says that “a Comboni missionary needs to fix his eyes on the one who was crucified for us.” After finishing my vocational journey to priesthood, I was posted to Brazil.

Vocational promoter

When I arrived in Brazil, the provincial council of Brazil requested me to assume the responsibility of a vocational promoter and mission animator. I welcomed the new responsibility with faith saying here I am Lord. My missionary work is to search for the youth who are interested in living a comboni missionary life in and outside Brazil.
I move to parishes and dioceses meeting youth groups, celebrating mass and giving testimonies about missionary life. In my missionary journeys when I meet people, the shock remains “Ugandan- African missionary in Brazil”!
Most times, I am meant to answer questions of the kind: are you happy? –YES IAM, do you earn money? – NO, don’t you want to marry? –NO, don’t you miss your parents and family? – I do but am now used. Such are the questions, which many youths are not ready to hear or want to answer.

Current Catholic Church

Although Brazil has for many years been known as the most catholic populated country, there are currently approximately 210 million people of which “64 percent” are would be Catholics. There are also many mushrooming American Pentecostal churches. In the slums where I stay, people like to say: “here a bar may fail, but the church will not”. Our parish has got 13 Christian communities but there are approximately 200 dominations of Pentecostal churches. On the other hand, there are places with dioceses as big as the half of Uganda. The state of Amazonia is like the whole of East Africa. This makes it difficult to reach some places especially where the few ordained ministers/ priests can’t reach.

We recognize that the church in Brazil lacks ordained and religious missionaries. Once I went for a missionary experience in northeast of the country in a certain parish with 50 Christian communities (chapels/ Ebisoomesa) and only one priest to take care of all of them. I remember celebrating in one of the communities and the people had last had a Eucharistic celebration 6 months ago. Just to say that most of the youths in the big cities are not aware of such situations in their country gives my missionary life a lot of work to fulfill.

Youth situation

From the various public events held, I can say that the church in Brazil has many youths. The main concern is that many of these youths are after temporal things. They want quick mass celebrations, but would prefer to be in the nightclubs and parties for many hours. Many times, I have given talks to youths in many parishes about missionary and religious life, just to inspire in them a missionary spirit. Therefore, the need for the great message to the young people: “God loves you. Christ saves you, Christ is alive” (synodic apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit chapter 4 by Pope Francis).

My mission as a missionary priest

I am called to be a witness of God who loves, of Christ who saves and of Christ who is alive so that his good news may be known to the entire world. This is the call to all the youths to change their mentality and begin to embrace missionary life. My stay among the youths is nothing other than to say that missionary life is possible. The Old Testament reminds us of prophet Jeremiah: “I knew you before you were born… and I made you prophet to the nations”. A comboni missionary is called to be a prophet who announces the presence of God in situations of difficulty and lack of faith.

In this missionary month, let us create a missionary mentality as baptized young and old people so that the church of Christ never lacks missionaries in the whole world. This is my prayer. Like St. Paul, I end this experience with these words: “woe to me if I don’t preach the gospel.” Cor 9:16)

Fr. Vincent de Paul Asiimwe MCCJ

“Apalongor”, which means, “bull of an ash-grey colour.”

r. Mario Mantovani was born at Orzinuovi, in Brescia on 18th December 1919. He was ordained a priest in 1946. After 11 years of service in Italy, in 1957, he left for Uganda. He remained in Karamoja until his tragic death on the eve of the feast of Assumption, 14th August 2003. He gave his missionary service in the missions of Morulem (1957-1958), Kaabong (1958-1960, 1982-1983), Nabilatuk (1960-1965), Losilang (Kotido) (1966-1970), Karenga (1970-1974, 1978-1981, and 1983-1985), Kanawat (1974-1976), Matany (1976-1978), Naoi (1986-1995), Loyoro (1996-2002), Kapedo (2002-2003).

Fr. Mario was nicknamed by the Karimojong “Apalongor”, which means, “bull of an ash-grey colour.” Fr. Mario was a kind, friendly, generous, zealous and human man. He was also an excellent cook. He was a man of prayer, always available and very understanding. Lately at Kapedo, he had a good relationship, based on trust and respect, with Bro. Godfrey Kiryowa – who would be killed together with him.

Fr. Mario knew well the Karimojong language. He had written three grammars and a study on the verbs of Ngakarimojong, and was very happy to teach the language to newcomers. His enthusiasm to express love for Jesus Christ must have seemed strange to them. He shared tobacco [etaba] with the Karimojong.

Fr. Mario was never discouraged by the difficulty of working among the Karimojong. He always had a source of encouragement and of hope to the young missionaries of Karamoja. He was always available whenever he was needed, even though, humanly speaking, he might not have been enthusiastic about it. Moreover, this is how he accepted his last assignment: the mission of Kapedo. At his age, that mission appeared to him to be a bit far away. He had discreetly expressed his desire to be assigned nearer, eventually, to the main center of the region Kotido town. In any case, he humbly and courageously accepted also this last challenge.

Fr. Mario was working in Kapedo, an area bordering with Toposa (S. Sudan). Here lived among the Dodos people, where now is established the new district of Kaabong. Southwards, of the existing Kotido district live the Jie people, a tribe traditionally clashing with the Dodos over pasture land for their cattle.

Fr. Mario had been at Kanawat (near Kotido), for the last three weeks the only mission among the Jie where the Combonies were working, to recover from typhoid fever, Bro. Godfrey had gone to fetch him from Kapedo on 14th August. They left Kanawat at 9 a.m. In Lobel (Kopos area), which lies on the border between the Dodos and the Jie, there were over 300 warriors armed with guns roaming about, as there had been a cattle raid carried out by the Dodos together with some Sudanese. It seems that the Dodos had been unsuccessful in the raid. Joseph Nakwa who was the head catechist of Kapedo at the time of the murder of both Combonies observes that the Jie failed to raid the Dodos and so, annoyed by their unsuccessful venture started shooting at all vehicles, which were moving from Kotido towards Kaabong.

Around 10 a.m., our two confreres were driving through Lobel area when a group of Dodos in retreat shot at the driver, Bro. Godfrey, who died instantly. A young man who was in the car with them managed to control the vehicle until it stopped. He then smashed the car window and escaped, leaving Fr. Mario in the car still alive. Fr. Mario got out of the car in the hope of getting away and hiding in the bush.

Fr. Chris Aleti, the only Comboni Missionary then at Kanawat, on the evening of the same day sent out a radio message to Kapedo to know whether the two confreres had arrived. When he heard that they had not yet arrived, he informed the police, but these told him that it was not prudent to search for them at night. The following day, 15th August, Fr. Chris set off, following the road taken by the two confreres. He found the car with the body of Bro. Godfrey and brought it back to the mission of Kanawat.

There was no trace of Fr. Mario. Accompanied by an escort of soldiers, Fr. Chris set off to search for him. From the place of the ambush, they followed the marks left by small boots that looked like those of Fr. Mario, in the hope of finding him. Instead, these tracks led them to the hut of the suspected killer who seemed to have shot him and put on his boots. Shortly afterwards, they found the body of Fr. Mario riddled with bullets.

The suspected killer was imprisoned in Kotido’s police station, but a few days later, while trying to escape, he was shot dead. Fr. Mario was buried next to the church of Kanawat. On 19th August, Fr. Guido Oliana, the provincial of Uganda and on holiday in Italy (waiting for the start of our XVI General Chapter), presided over the funeral Mass at Orzinuovi, Fr. Mario’s hometown and where he was well known.

Fr. Guido thus explained the meaning of Fr. Mario’s death: “In the faith today, we have to celebrate Fr. Mario’s evangelizing victory in Christ. He could not have concluded his mission among the Karimojong in a more meaningful manner.” The readings used in the service were an excellent commentary to the evangelical and missionary meaning of Fr. Mario’s death: “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Tribulations, anxieties, persecutions, lack of food or clothes, danger, the sword – and we could add – ‘the gun’? In all this, we are more than winners by virtue of him who loved us.” Fr. Mario shares in Christ’s victory. Let us hope and pray that the blood he has shed will produce fruits in the difficult task of evangelizing Karamoja.

The Karimojong culture believes in sacrifices, so much so that, before setting off on a cattle raid, the Karimojong offer a head of cattle in sacrifice and, occasionally, even a human sacrifice. In the light of faith and of the Gospel, now it will be the sacrifice of Fr. Mario who will earn the Karimojong not heads of cattle, but their allegiance to Christ and to the Church. With the killing of Fr. Mario and of Bro. Godfrey, the number of Comboni Missionaries who have shed their blood in Uganda has risen to 13.

During the closing days of the 2000 Intercapitular Assembly, Fr. Raffaele Di Bari, another Comboni Missionary in Uganda, was shot and burned to death at Pajule (Acholi land). Now, at the start of the XVI General Chapter, Fr. Mario Mantovani and Bro. Godfrey Kiryowa have been killed at Kopos. I think the Lord by this event wants to send us a message about the true Comboni missionary spirituality. (Fr. Guido Oliana)

On the hundred (100) years of his birth, I want to point out his love for the Karimojong people, for their Language and Culture. I also take this opportunity to correct the meaning of his bull-ox name – Apalongor (brown–soiled colour/dirty from engoryana–he is dirty); to APALONGOR, the owner of the ox/bull of dirty, brownish colour.

Rt. Rev. Joseph Antony Zziwa shares his Missionary Journey

Give us a brief biography of yourself

I was born on 16th February 1956 in Mubende. My parents, now deceased (R.I.P) were Joseph Mbabaali Bagalakyabwe and Josephine Nabawooza Bagalakyabwe. My father was a carpenter and builder whose work is evident in many parishes in Mubende Deanery and beyond. My mother was a farmer. They were staunch Catholics. We are a family of ten children; four boys and six girls of whom I am the first born. Out of the ten, we are three religious in the family: Rev. Fr. Stephen Muyanja the Deputy Head Teacher of Jinja College and Rev. Sr. Elizabeth Nambwayo of the Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix (Ggogonya sisters) and me.

For my primary, I went to St. Joseph’s Primary school in Mubende and Nswanjere Junior seminary. In 1970, I joined Kisubi seminary for my secondary, after which I was admitted to the major seminary. I studied philosophy in Katigondo National Seminary and theology in Ggaba National seminary. I later joined Universite’ Catholique de Louvain in Belgium where I studied Church History and Theology and I obtained Bachelors, Licentiate and Doctorate degrees.

What inspired you to priesthood and religious life?

My journey to priesthood began when I was in primary. Our home is near the parish headquarters. I began serving at Holy Mass in Primary three. This kept me close to the priests. I was impressed by their prayer life, pastoral work, celebration of Mass and the Mass vestments. Since all the clergy at the parish were Europeans, I thought that priesthood was reserved for Europeans only. That concept changed in 1962 when Monsignor Alex Mukasa was appointed to our parish and I dared to ask him whether he was really a priest. In his reply, he also asked me whether I wanted to become one. I said yes, and in his words of advice, he told me to ‘be serious with my studies and behave well’.

In 1967, there was a call for candidates to join Nswanjere Junior Seminary where I undertook an interview. Out of the ten pupils, three of us passed the interviews. Thereafter, I was ordained a Deacon at Lubaga in 1979, a priest at Mubende in 1980, and I was consecrated Bishop at Mityana in 2012. From 1980-1983, I served at St. Mbaaga’s Major seminary as a staff. I embarked on higher studies at the Universite’ Catholique de Louvain from 1983 until 1990. When I returned home, I served at Busuubizi parish for one year.

Later, I was appointed to teach at Ggaba National seminary from 1991 until 2001. I was consecrated bishop on the 16th March 2002 and thus became Coadjutor Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese for two years. I have been the Bishop ordinary of the same diocese since 2004. As Bishop, I have served on Uganda Episcopal Conference as the Chairman of Social Communication’s Commission and as the Education Commission Chairman. I have also served as a member of the Executive Board of Uganda Episcopal Conference and also as Vice Chairman . On 11th November, 2018, I was elected by the Bishops to be the Chairman of Uganda Episcopal Conference.

What has been your best moment as a priest?

My ordination to priesthood in 1980 transformed my life completely. I had been longing for the day and when it was fulfilled, I was overwhelmed with joy. I was ordained at Mubende, my parish and on the following day, I presided over the Holy Mass surrounded by many priests at our very home. Another memorable event was in 1980 when I first shook hands with Pope John Paul II. Also, when I was appointed Bishop by Pope John Paul II, I trembled and I was overwhelmed with a different kind of joy, like when Mary was informed by the Angel Gabriel that God had chosen her to be the Mother of Jesus (Lk. 1:26-38). In fact, that event inspired me so much that I chose Mary’s words of acceptance to that call to be my Episcopal motto: “Fiat voluntas tua” (Lk. 1:38). Importantly, whenever I have scored success in my work, served as a shepherd and been able to impart values on people’s lives has been a glorious moment for me.

What has been your best moment as a bishop?

Thrice, I have been chosen to represent the Uganda Episcopal Conference at the Synods of Bishops in Rome where I was blessed to share with the other Bishops from all over the world. Those moments have given me joy to live and experience the catholicity of the Church. Importantly, as a Bishop, when I administer the sacraments especially those reserved for Bishops like the sacrament of confirmation and sacred orders (priestly ordination), I feel great joy.

The pastoral visits that I make in the parishes and other institutions in the Diocese have also been inspiring and rewarding for me as they have enabled me to get very close to the people. In fact, our diocesan pastoral method of the small Christian communities has been very instrumental in my apostolate and that has made my pastoral duties fruitful. I appreciate the faith, love, commitment and work of the Christians for the Church in my Diocese. I really feel good when I hear Catholics proclaim the greeting: “Abasseekimu, mu Kristu Yezu” Literally saying, “we are united in Jesus Christ”.

What are some of the hurdles you have met?

When I had just become a bishop, some people were forcefully evicted from their homes in Madudu Parish. Although we did the Good Samaritan by providing them with essential commodities, their re-settlement was very difficult and disturbing for me. We were almost helpless! Also, despite the good faith people have, there are some Christians who live a double life: today they are in the church and on another day they are in the traditional shrines (masabo) practising witchcraft. They break the first commandment of God: “You shall not have other gods besides me…” (Exodus 20:3-5).

How did you feel when you were voted as the new chair of Uganda Episcopal Conference?

It was on 11th November 2018, when I took office. I was overwhelmed to see that my brother bishops trusted me so much with their votes. I felt so humbled. Leadership for me means rendering service to others. My duty as the Chairman is to work for the implementation of the strategic plans of the conference. I will work for the unity and growth of the Church and the faith of Christians in Uganda. In 1994, the Synod of Bishops in Rome called the Church the family of God.

Following that understanding, we as the Church should live and work as God’s family here on earth despite our human differences or cultural diversity. This should help us to build unity and promote peace. I want also to single out the question of Identity. Thus, no Catholic should feel shy or ashamed of associating himself or herself with the Catholic Church. Also, I would like to emphasize the importance of re-evangelization and catechesis. It is not just enough to be baptized. Let us have proper knowledge and understanding of our faith, the church doctrine and practice. True conviction and commitment is needed.

What is the position of the Episcopal conference on the proposed National Sexuality Education Framework?

Our position was given in our Statement that we issued on 8th June 2018 after the publication of that document (National Sexuality Education Framework) by the Ministry of Education and Sports. In brief, we pointed out the following: the vital role of the family (parents), especially in the early ages is ignored in the Framework.

Children in the Early Childhood, Pre-Primary and Nursery level (3 to 5 years) and in the Lower Primary School are exposed to content and life skills not appropriate for their age. The information and the life skills foreseen for the higher levels are open to interpretation and practices which may be contrary to moral Christian values. There are no provisions or guaranties that school teachers are prepared and able to teach in a balanced and proper way such delicate and emotionally charged topics.

Consequently, should the National Sexuality Education Framework remain unchanged, with provisions and directives contrary to our Christian values, the common position of the Catholic Church, shared by the Church of Uganda and the Orthodox Church in Uganda, is that we shall not be able in conscience to have it taught in our Christian founded schools.

What is your last word to all?

Uganda is blessed with the gift of faith and that of the Uganda Martyrs. Let us be true witnesses to Christ in our society today. Let us be united, for unity is strength (force) and let our light shine (Mt. 5:13-16).

How long have you been at Our Lady of Africa Mbuya Parish?

I would say that altogether it is 11 years. I arrived at Mbuya in 2008. After my ordination in 1996, I was assigned to Mexico, the first love of my missionary life where I worked for 10 years. I loved their religiosity and style of Catholicism. Their humor and spirit of celebration is also enticing. The “Musica ranchera” with beautiful melodies and good messages can be heard all over Mexico. It was a new world and a new experience.

After ten years, I returned to Uganda. In 2006, I did a renewal course in South Africa and on arriving in Uganda in 2007, I was assigned to Jinja Postulancy to help in formation of our seminarians. Then it was in 2008 when I was asked to come to Mbuya Parish to give a hand to Frs. Joseph Archetti and Mario Imperial who were sickly. I was privileged to live with these great Comboni Missionaries until God called them to heaven in 2014.

How has your experience as Parish Priest of Mbuya been?

I was asked to become the Parish Priest of Mbuya in 2012; which was very humbling. I accepted the challenge with faith and I knew it was a great responsibility of the stewardship of the mysteries of God. I was convinced that Jesus and his Spirit were always at my side. I asked Mother Mary our Patron Saint to help me. God gave me good people who encouraged me by their love and support. The number of people coming for the Liturgy and the Sacraments was overwhelming. The young and old flocked our Parish and the lively liturgies on Sundays gave a sense of satisfaction to the people. We had to deal with the challenges of Parking and security because of the big crowd.

What has your pillar been at the Parish?

Our pillar is the one that St. John describes in his Gospel. “The Word was the true light that enlightens all men; and he was coming into the world. He was in the world that had its being through him, and the world did not know him. He came to his own domain and his own people did not accept him.” (John 1:9-11) He is the visionary among us, he is the light bearer, he is the stone rejected by the builders which has become the cornerstone. I believe that everyone who came to Mbuya was coming for an encounter with Christ.

What did you love most as the Parish Priest?

Our Community is multicultural and multiethnic. It was beautiful to see that it did not matter anymore where one comes from. That Christ was transforming the people into a real Christian community of brothers and sisters. It was beautiful to see the response of the Christians when called upon to bring food for the needy of our Parish. For me, the greatest value in any given family or community is caring, caring and caring.

This was evident and present in Mbuya. I loved to see many prayerful people, many committed people, men and women with great love for Jesus and his Church. It was beautiful to see many young and old people very committed in the choirs, altar servers, great couples, great catechists, religious women and Christian leaders.

What did you find Challenging in your Mission at Mbuya?

I have discovered that the most profound misery in our life is the lack of God. People are hungry for God and searching for an authentic spirituality with hope of finding many answers to their questions. Indeed, the work in the vineyard is much and the laborers are few. The challenge was how we satisfy this spiritual hunger. Besides spiritual poverty; there is material poverty in our Parish. There is sickness and that is why we have ReachOut Mbuya HIV/AIDS initiative organization in our Parish.
The other challenge is Education. About 70% of the people that come to church have not completed senior four. That is why we put more attention to our schools of St.Kizito, Bugolobi.

What do you consider your success at the Parish?

Only God knows the success! However, what was very outstanding is the active participation in the Eucharist and people’s reception of the Sacraments. From another perspective, The Holy Cross was a great achievement. A fruit of an experience I had in Tepatitlan, Jalisco in Mexico where the “El Senor de la Misericordia” or the Lord of Mercy, a famous, popular and miraculous appearance of the Lord Jesus had writings labeled below the cross saying that “cada pueblo tiene un Cristo y cada Cristo tiene un Pueblo” which literally translates that every people has a Jesus Christ and every Jesus Christ has people. These words inspired me to install one at Mbuya like the one in Tepatitlan.

It was made possible by the Provincial by then Fr. Silvester Hategekimana, Mr. Patrick Loti, our architect Agustus Tukahebwa and Engineer Francis Xavier Galabuzi. Also, my friends in Mexico promised to support me. We had everything in place by God’s grace. The important moment was the blessing of the Cross by then Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Michael August Blume SVD in 2014. To me, this became a land mark that gave another face to Mbuya and a welcome monument for the followers of Christ that flock to Mbuya. It is a reminder to all of us that the Lord is good all the time.

The other success was the construction of Comboni House next to the Church that now houses the book center. The structure was named after St.Comboni to remind us that Mbuya and the Comboni missionaries are a result of St.Comboni’s dream, “Africa or death”.

Another Success was the construction of a beautiful priest’s house at Banda Sub Parish next to Kyambogo University. A dream came true for the people of Banda with the support of the Christians of Mbuya. Banda has the potential to become a center for animation and vocation promotion because of its location. It can also grow into a Parish in the future.

In 2015, we were able to purchase a good piece of land of 103 Acres about 7km from Kapeeka in Nakaseke District. On this land, we already have Eucalyptus trees of about 15acres and 2acres of fruit trees plus a small banana plantation. In terms of propelling the Parish to the future, this was the greatest achievement ever. Many more beautiful achievements can be mentioned; ReachOut celebrated 15years of caring for the poor and most afflicted, the Completion of the 3 storeyed girl’s dormitory at St. Kizito Secondary School Bugolobi, the Purchase of two Tata buses for St.Kizito Primary School Bugolobi, the purchase of a Tata bus for St. Kizito Secondary school Bugolobi etc.

What message do you have for the Parishioners and the readers?

Our faith is a treasure. If you think about the sacrifices the first Christians endured because of Jesus, then you come to understand that the resurrection of Jesus was a great event. Comboni used to say Africa or death. Mbuya would not have been built if Comboni had not come to Africa. It is also important to make a reflection on a personal level on the root of our faith. That is, is it my village church, school, family, my parents, grandparents, Catechist, a missionary etc.

This will help us to look at life with gratitude. To know that God loves us in a personal way and that is why he led us to Jesus, the light that enlightens every one. Lastly, I want to say thank you to everyone. To the Parishioners of Mbuya, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you. I will always carry you in my heart. I cannot forget to ask forgiveness for my shortcomings which must be many because of our human condition. We keep each other in prayer. I love you with all my heart.

Sr. Pollicarp is a Comboni sister who worked in Nuba Mountains in S. Sudan was able to brace the war, the hunger, lack of market share her Missionary story

Ity name is Sr.Pollicarp Amiyo. I was born in Karamoja in 1983 in a small town called Kangole. I received all my education in Karamoja, always near missionary sisters who shared their lives among the Karimojong. I studied in Matany School of Nursing and Midwifery. From childhood, I had the desire to serve others.

I was inspired by the work of the Comboni sisters who have been in Karamoja for 53 years. They have shown a great commitment to the service of the most poor. Their faithful presence in Karamoja, a land that not many people could admire to live in, has shown my people the great love God has for us. In 2011, I was accepted to start my journey of formation. I had time of discernment and preparation, learning what it meant to be a Comboni sister and to commit my life to the mission. In 2015, I made my first vows in Namugongo; it was a joyful day since from that day, I was a Comboni Sister, a consecrated woman ready to give my life for the most poor and abandoned.

Soon after, I was sent to South Sudan, specifically to the Nuba Mountains. History says that the Nuba were the real people of Sudan but when the Arabs entered in the region, they had to escape up the mountains, which came to be known as Nuba Mountains. When Sudan was thorned by war with the people of the South looking for independence, the Nubas fought next to the people of the south. However, after the peace agreements and the division of the country, they remained part of Sudan.

The differences between the Nuba and the rest of the Sudanese are wide. They are poorer and the government does almost nothing to improve their situation, in part because they supported the south militias. As a result, the Nuba are again in war. This is a land of first Evangelization and with many necessities in all areas. There is scarcity of food and medical services and schools have not been going on for a long time. There is only one presence that has been constant, namely, the presence of the Comboni sisters in the hospital of the mission.

Being a nurse, I was appointed to work in the hospital. Before departing, I was informed of all the difficulties I was going to face: the war, the hunger, lack of market or network and the hardship of the land. But I was not afraid; I knew that the mission among Nuba was going to be my first love. I only needed to reach the mission and give myself. The first three months in my mission were maybe the most challenging I have ever experienced.

There is scarcity of food and medical services and schools have not been going on for a long time. There is only one presence that has been constant, namely, the presence of the Comboni sisters in the hospital of the mission

The first month was calm and peaceful, but I knew that relatively, peace would not last. The second was far different, I started learning to listen to the movements of ANTENOVS and JETS. People feared the government would start attacking by air. I remember cleaning the fox holes to use as safety place in case of air strikes; it was scaring. On the third month, things became really hard. Although there were never airstrikes, we were constantly bombed. The images of running, bombing and hearing the big gun machines were always in my mind. There wasn’t a place for safety besides the holes. Many times, I have run out of the chapel for safety to dive into the fox holes.

Then something happened to me. I reached a point which we could call the TEST OF FAITH. Because of fear, I got an extra beat in my heart and my legs got swollen. I was really scared and knew I needed to go out for some time to have a medical checkup in Nairobi. The medical result showed that although I was healthy, I was under stress. I was advised to stay in Nairobi for a while to calm myself. After some time, I recovered and went back to my mission. Till today, I am in Nuba Mountains. I thank God for allowing me to be among the Nuba people, sharing my faith with them. I continue working in the hospital and I give a hand in the parish with the youth and the children. The mission is tough; sometimes I see many heartbreaking realities and find myself helpless, crying to God and asking Him why He brought me to the Nuba.

Then He shows me his mercy and love towards those who suffer. I don’t regret that I was sent to this mission, I have come to learn that God calls and He goes ahead, in Him is my strength.

By Sr.Pollicarp Amiyo

Joseph (Giuseppe) Franzelli was born 77 years ago, during the Second World War, in a small village in the province of Brescia in northern Italy. Those were hard times: poverty was rampant and six of the twelve children of his family died at infancy. As an altar boy, Joseph admired priests and his dream was to become one.

When a Comboni missionary visited his village, he expressed the desire to be a missionary for Africa. His Parish Priest was not happy, since he preferred him to enter the diocesan seminary. At first, even his father was not happy about his decision. Anyway, Joseph entered the minor seminary and went through formation, which eventually ended in Rome. This was during the Second Vatican Council, at the Urbanian University, where he had the opportunity to meet and interact with many students from Africa and Asia. Ordained a priest in 1967 at the age of 25, Fr. Joseph expected to be assigned to Africa, hopefully to Burundi or Togo. He was instead sent to Verona on the staff of Nigrizia, a Comboni monthly magazine dealing with the evangelization and development of Africa.

While working for the magazine, he did a course in journalism and had plenty of opportunities to read and learn about Africa. Eventually, after three years, the new Superior General assigned him to Uganda. After some months in London to learn English, Fr. Franzelli was eventually able to fulfill his dream and reach Africa in the diocese of Gulu. It was December 1971.
Looking back at his life since he came to Uganda, Bishop Franzelli can divide it into three periods: the first 17 years among the Acholi in Gulu Diocese up to 1987, then 18 years outside Uganda in Europe, Mexico and South Africa, up to the last 13 and a half years back in Uganda as bishop of Lira.

Less than two months after his arrival in Gulu, Fr. Joseph found himself in Kitgum, to collaborate with Fr. Peter Tiboni in an unprecedented project and experience: Kitgum Pastoral Community (KPC), which was officially opened on 11th February 1972, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The idea was to form seminarians for the diocese in a different, alternative way, side by side with the traditional seminary. It was meant for adult vocations, i.e. young people who had already completed their secondary education. The Community was inserted within a parish (Kitgum Town), the natural environment in which the seminarians were supposed to serve after ordination, in close communion and collaboration with the laity.

This different approach to seminary formation insisted very much on the pastoral dimension. Studying in the morning and carrying out pastoral work in the afternoon among the people in the chapels, contributed to equipping the candidates with the pastoral zeal and missionary spirit, which would eventually form them into true and dedicated shepherds of the people of God.
Fr. Joseph got involved whole-heartedly in this challenging project. It was therefore very painful for him to leave Kitgum two years later, at the beginning of 1974, when the bishop of Gulu requested him to move to the diocesan minor seminary of Lacor, which was facing a major crisis. To solve the problem and make a fresh start, he introduced in Lacor, a teamwork approach among all the teachers and formators.

It was not easy, but it eventually worked. Among his students, there was the one who is now the bishop of Arua, Rt. Rev. Sabino Odoki. Apart from the work in the seminary, Fr. Franzelli was the editor of Lobo Mewa, the fortnightly paper in luo of Gulu diocese, while also helping with Nile Gazette and Leadership magazine.

Then, during 1975, the government of Idi Amin expelled 12 Comboni missionaries who were holding key posts in Gulu Diocese. Among them, Fr. Peter Tiboni, the founder of Kitgum Pastoral Community. To avoid the closure of this initiative, Fr. Franzelli left Lacor Seminary to Kitgum to continue with the project. Clearly, Divine Providence had arranged for him to be spared the expulsion in order to carry on with the initiative. For the next 7 years, during and after the regime of Amin, Fr. Joseph was the Rector of KPC, which started yielding new priests. It was a tough period, also because the regime of Amin looked with suspicion at a community hosting candidates of different tribes and even expatriates living peacefully together, contrary to the tribalistic policies of the day.

In 1982, Fr. Franzelli went back home to Italy for holidays. Upon his return, because of lack of personnel to run it, Bishop Cipriano Kihangire of Gulu had to temporarily close KPC. Fr. Joseph was then sent initially as a curate and then as a Parish Priest to Patongo, in East Acholi.
The five years spent in Patongo were the experience of a full immersion into a joyful and fruitful pastoral work. With the taking over of President Museveni at the end of 1986, however, things changed dramatically. The area around Patongo became one of the last and strongest points of resistance to the army of the new government.

Located between the two fighting groups, from September 1986 to February 1987, Patongo mission became literally a battle ground for a number of attacks and counter attacks of the government troops entrenched in the village on one side and the rebels led by the prophetess Alice Lakwena coming from the surrounding fields and bush on the other side. Many people on both sides were killed.

Over 300 people, mostly women and children, took refuge in the mission, sleeping in the church to save their lives. Among them, a reverend of the Church of Uganda, Benjamin Ojwang who later on became the bishop of Kitgum. Those six months, spent in close contact with the people and sharing their plight and fears, waking up in the morning with no certainty of reaching the end of the day alive, encouraging and leading everybody in prayer and experiencing God’s protection, were a tough but precious experience for Fr. Joseph. There were also some extremely dangerous moments when he was shot at by soldiers during the attacks. By God’s help, he was not hit, but, he got his glasses smashed when he grabbed the gun from a soldier who was about to shoot the cook of the mission and her baby.

Mentioning those events, Bishop Franzelli downplays the risks he had to face, saying that this is what happened to many of his Comboni brothers and sisters who remained with their people in those troubled days. In fact, from the time of Idi Amin to the rebellion of Joseph Kony, 14 comboni missionaries, including a Sister were killed in Uganda.

The period in Patongo came to an abrupt end when the government troops, finding it difficult to control that portion of East Acholi, decided to make a “strategic withdrawal” from the area, moving back to the borders of Lango. The decision found Fr. Joseph in Kalongo, where he had gone to get medical help from Fr. Doctor Joseph Ambrosoli. Leaving the area, the army forced all the missionaries and sisters to go with them, afraid that, remaining behind, they would help the local people whom the government considered all “rebels”.

Several missions were closed, including Patongo and Kalongo, with the renowned hospital run by Fr. Dr. Ambrosoli. Leaving behind their people was a heartbreaking experience for the missionaries. Together with his confreres, Fr. Joseph was eventually able to celebrate the last Mass in Patongo, entrusting the Blessed Sacrament to the care of the head catechist and placing the whole community into God’s hands. It was the end of February 1982.

By Bro. Francis Xavier Guloba

I was born in the early nineties in a small village called Abocheta in Buteba (Busia district) under Tororo Archdiocese. My parents named me Shabani. My father was called Yunusu Oyimba (R.I.P) and my mother is Antonina. We were Muslim at home and we grew up in the Muslim faith. We used to enjoy and we were happy especially during the holy month of Ramadhan: my siblings and I used to spend evening hours at the Mosque waiting for swallah.

I was in primary level by then. But before that, it was in 1998 when my mother fell sick for almost three years: she was home bound and always in bed. My father and my elder brothers and sisters tried their level best to take care of our mother. My younger sister and I were very young so we had nothing to do except fetching water for domestic use at the nearby well.

Indeed, the Muslim cleric tried to pray for our mother who was very ill but things didn’t work out. Then we heard news that a priest would come from across the Kenyan border for popular mission. That was the late Fr. Joseph Bill. He came and prayed for my mother. Later, other priests came from the nearby St. Jude parish and Fr. Bashobora from St. Francis Xavier Daban. Once, they took her and prayed for her and she miraculously healed. After that, she became a Catholic since the Catholics are those who had healed her.

In 2008, I was interested in becoming a Catholic; not only a Christian Catholic but also a Catholic priest. Since I was a Muslim, the first step was to change my religion to Catholicism. I did so and indeed, it was not easy for my family and I. Initially, I was rejected by my father and brothers. My mother was the only person who understood me and loved me since she was already a Catholic. I was baptised and named Francis Xavier. I really loved the name that was given to me even though I didn’t know anything about the saint. That was in 2010 at Busowa Catholic parish (Jinja diocese).

I was also confirmed that same year. Since my dream was to become a priest, I tried to apply to join priesthood but got no positive response. Then I came to know about the vocation of brotherhood. One of my friends connected me to the brothers of St. Martin de Porres in Gulu where I applied and they accepted me. In 2015, I joined them and started my formation at Layibi.

Then in 2016, I went to the parish of St.Martin de Porres (Lukome) where I did my novitiate. On November 5, 2017, I took my first vows as a brother of St. Martin de Porres. When I took my first vows, my family attended my profession together with some parishioners of my home parish, St. Jude parish (Busia), including the parish priest, Fr. Samon Klamirele. The only person who missed my profession was my father who really longed to be present and promised to attend even if he was a Muslim. Unfortunately, he had passed on a few months earlier when I was a novice.

Currently, I am serving in South Sudan as a teacher at one of our schools named Bro. Augusto Memorial College (Kit – Juba). I am happy to be a religious brother. Please, pray always for me and for all the religious.

By Sr. Ylenia Ramos

My name is Ylenia Ramos. I was born in Mexico in 1983. When I first heard the voice of God calling me, I refused to accept it. I was a difficult child and teenager, not very good at school and with an aggressive strike. I had been involved in a lot of problems until my cousins tricked me to go for a retreat organized by the Charismatic Renewal. The experience changed my life because I discovered that I was loved by God, accepted and forgiven. I started serving in my parish: in the youth groups, visiting the sick, helping Caritas and teaching catechism to children with special needs but, it was not enough for God, in my heart, He was asking me for something else. One day, I heard the testimonies of some missionaries and of St. Daniel Comboni. I understood what the Lord was asking from me. He was calling me to be a missionary. In 2009, I professed as a Comboni Sister. It was the happiest day of my life because finally, I belonged to God and was appointed to Uganda.

Soon after I arrived, I was sent to Moroto in Karamoja. I have also been in Aboke, Kampala, and in Kangole. My missionary experience in Uganda has been very rich. God has offered in my path the youth ministry; maybe because I was a troublesome child. I feel I can understand and accept the youth without limitation. I love to encourage them to do things that bring them near to God and make them feel fulfilled. The first time I experienced this joy was when I helped the youth in Mbuya organize the Way of the Cross, their joy and commitment to share Jesus’ love touched me. In 2017, I started working as a teacher in St. Daniel Comboni S.S.S, a community school in Matany in Karamoja.

There, I have come across a terrible reality: children and youth are disappearing. Many, with the consent of their parents, but, many others, without it. One day, one of my students asked me to let him go home because his nephew had disappeared. The boy was on his way to school but he never arrived; the family had mobilized to look for him. Luckily, the boy was found weeks after, but the family had to give a goat to the man who was having him. It was not the first time a child had disappeared from the district in such a way.

More than once, I have heard desperate parents looking for their children, announcing on the radio and in the church. Some parents even ask for help from the sisters to go to Kampala in order to look for their children who may be on the streets. My heart was broken; why children who belong to a family and deserve to grow in a peaceful and lovable environment are exploited for selfish interest? As I tried to get more information, some mothers explained to me how children are disappearing. Sometimes, an “aunty” offers the family to take the child to school in Kampala or they may receive the promise of a job for the child which will bring fortune to the family.

Sometimes, it is the very mothers sending them or a fellow youth, who has already been in the city, comes back to Karamoja to encourage others to follow. Many times, they end up on the streets begging or in prostitution. At times, the whole family moves to the big cities. You may think the majority of the Karimojong children are begging on the streets of Kampala, Jinja or Mbale… the reality is more scary. According to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNOC), only 37% of people trafficked remain in their country, 37% cross the borders and 26% are taken far away. 62% are female, out of which 53% is involved in sexual exploitation; but they are also trafficked for labour, petty crimes, organ harvesting, rituals and domestic work.

For the past year, I have been moving around Napak District talking in schools, to mothers, future teachers and on the radio about Human Trafficking. After hearing one of the members of “Dwelling Places”, a group of my students who belong to the Human’s Right Club requested the club patron and I that they wanted to do something. They have organized an anti-trafficking troupe and in some occasions, they have presented drama, poems and songs that denounce human trafficking which is taking place in Uganda.
As a missionary, it is impossible to see injustice and keep quiet. I feel we need to do more to save children and youth from the risk of being victims of Human Trafficking. Let us allow the children to go to Jesus, not to the streets.

My heart was broken; why children who belong to a family and deserve to grow in a peaceful and lovable environment are exploited for selfish interest?

By Sr. Onzizuyo Betty

It seemed as if everything was in the opposite direction; cars moving on the right, books being opened from the right, even writing was from right to left, moreover, weekends on Saturdays and Sundays were non-existent. This was my instant feeling when I arrived in Egypt for my first missionary experience in 2014. My name is Onzizuyo Betty, a Comboni Missionary Sister. I am originally from Arua Diocese. I came in contact with the Comboni Missionary Sisters in 2008. That day, I found the reason for my being. I joined the Comboni Sisters in 2010 and made a journey of discernment in the formation houses in Kenya and Uganda respectively.

In 2014, I made my first religious profession and I was assigned to Egypt Province to study Arabic. Although difficult, I gave my best to learn it, knowing that language is the key to opening the door to any given culture. I am currently in Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan. Khartoum is located at the confluence of the white and blue Niles. Although Islam is the predominant religion, there are a variety of Christian denominations and sects in the country. Arabic is the official language.

I work at Comboni Girls School Omdurman. Comboni Schools are not like any other schools: they are Catholic founded schools in which quality education is provided. In Khartoum, there is a very cosmopolitan nature, with people from all over the world. As a result, our School has learners from different backgrounds: rich and poor, Sudanese and foreigners, Christians and Muslims. All of them present a mosaic of cultures. This diversity other than discouraging us is the force that makes us unique and brings us together as a family, the family of Comboni School.

We all journey together, interacting and collaborating for one common cause, Comboni’s plan to “Save Africa with Africans”. In Egypt and in Sudan, I have learnt an important lesson: “the impact of being.” Being in a place involves the whole human person: physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. I have very few opportunities to share my faith openly as we do in Uganda. Most of the time, I am a missionary with my testimony. I am a missionary for all and not only for Catholics. My being in the Mission in this part of Africa has educated my senses, my thoughts and my actions. I have passed from being a missionary by words and deeds to being a witnessing Missionary by way of life.

As a teacher, I am in continuous contact with young people. My interaction with the girls in the school has taught me that I play an important role in modeling their lives. These little ones remind me now and then that I am not only a teacher, but a sister and many times a mother. It is not rare that even Muslim children come to us for spiritual guidance and nourishment. I remember one occasion on which a pupil came to me crying because she had lost the lid of her bottle of water. She was afraid that her guardian would be upset because she had lost the lid. Although I couldn’t help her find the lid of the bottle, I encouraged her to face the situation.

Together, we looked at how much God loves us and how he is merciful even when we make mistakes. We are valuable and nothing compares the love He has for us. Then, I asked her to pray in the way she knew best before telling the guardian about the lid, to be calm, humble and honest when time to talk came. The next day, the girl came back. She was happy to give me the feedback on how she presented the whole issue. Her guardian understood her so easily as never before. I learnt from this little girl to trust in God, this trust can change people and situations for good.

Living in a society that is predominantly Muslim with minority Catholics and Christians of other denominations has taught me a number of things. First, the readiness to be. Before landing at my destination, I had to set my mind and heart to be there totally. Then I had to see, accept, learn, understand, to live, to love and appreciate what life presents to me in all its variety of ways.

Personally, Islam and its practices have helped me to deepen my own Catholic faith, to love it and to witness to it in a more vibrant manner. I came to Sudan with mixed feelings and yet this is turning out to be my “first love”. I cannot describe enough the love shown to me by the people of this blessed land. I am grateful to the Lord for such a blessing.