Ntungamo, Uganda – It was a dramatic and disturbing scene when what was once a sacred space for a priestly thanksgiving ceremony and the celebration of those ordained as Catholic priests turned into an unlikely battleground for political ideologies and the campaigning against one another.
The situation left many attendees feeling divided, disrespected, and distraught.
This occurred on Saturday March 8, 2028, during the priestly thanksgiving ceremony of Fr. Selenzio Katusiime at Nyarwanya Parish, Rubaare Sub-County, Ntungamo District.
The tension began when the incumbent Member of Parliament for Rushenyi County, Hon. Naome Kabasharira, used the opportunity to address the attendees, encouraging aspirants at all political levels to take the platform and speak about themselves, claiming that she was not jealous of any aspirant for her seat or affiliated with any party.
When Mr. Jonan Muhumuza, a candidate in the heated race for Rushenyi County, took the microphone, he appealed to the incumbent, Naome Kabasharira, to step aside and allow new aspirants to compete, stating that her presence was a challenging factor for them. He added that if she stepped down, he would manage the transition and ensure her comfort rather than keeping her in a race that he believed was becoming untenable.
After everyone introduced themselves, Ms. Kabasharira took the platform again and informed Mr. Muhumuza that he should consult other aspirants to learn how to speak effectively. However, she thanked him for donating white iron sheets to Kaina Primary School, which she referred to as “Ag’Eseenene.” She then challenged him, claiming that she had also donated iron sheets, although she did not specify the type, leaving many attendees questioning, “Why?” especially since she provided details about her co-aspirant’s donations.
Ms. Kabasharira urged parents and children to embrace priesthood, expressing optimism that having more priests in the area would lead to development through their evangelism.
Mr. Jonan Muhumuza gifted Fr. Selenzio Katusiime 1 million shillings and encouraged him to pursue the word of God diligently.
Ambrose Kyenjoga thanked his brother, Fr. Selenzio Katusiime, for welcoming Jesus as his Savior and for being ready to serve all believers diligently, as it is a call from God.
Fr. Selenzio Katusiime promised to respond to the call of priesthood and assured that he would serve without discrimination.
Rev. Fr. Selenzio Katusiime will not be serving in Uganda but in a parish called Mkokozi in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Compiled by: Amon Muhumuza
