Kato also advised Church leaders to put Church land to productive use by establishing income-generating projects, arguing that idle land often attracts encroachers.
Joy and celebration filled St. John the Baptist Buvuma Catholic Parish as Christians, clergy, and political leaders gathered to commemorate 125 years since the parish was founded.
The thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Prof. John Chrysostom Maviiri on behalf of Bishop Christopher Kakooza of Lugazi Catholic Diocese.
The celebrations attracted Christians from various islands in Buvuma District, alongside government officials and local leaders, including the newly appointed State Minister for Fisheries and Buvuma County Member of Parliament, Robert Migadde Ndugwa, and Buvuma Woman MP Judith Naggujja. Others included the diocesan head of laity, Dr. Augustine Kato, the Buganda Kingdom chief for Buvuma county, Mbuubi, Ow’ek: Michael Mboowa Wamala, Buvuma district chairperson, Matia Nixon Ocheng, a section of the Little Sisters of St. Francis of Assis, Sr. Harriet Nansubuga, the headteacher of Stella Maris Nsuube Girls Boarding Primary School inclusive.
In his homily, Prof. Maviiri, the Dean of Nkokonjeru Deanery, encouraged leaders at all levels to remain steadfast despite the challenges they face in serving their communities.
“God, who entrusted you with leadership, remains with you and has not abandoned you amid the difficulties,” he said.
The celebrations were also marked by the solemnization of marriage vows for four couples, who pledged lifelong commitment to one another in both good and difficult times. Prof. Maviiri further administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to more than 100 children and urged them to remain firm in the Catholic faith and resist being drawn into other religious denominations.
Founded by the Mill Hill Fathers, St. John the Baptist Buvuma Parish is currently led by Fr. Henry Mukasa, assisted by Fr. Robert Ssebuyungo.
However, amid the celebrations, church leaders raised concerns over the increasing encroachment on Church land. Speaking during the event, parish head of laity Raymond Magunda appealed to political leaders to support efforts aimed at combating land grabbing.
Magunda revealed that a recent survey of Church land uncovered a case where an individual had illegally planted oil palm trees on Church property.
“We discovered one person who had encroached on Church land and planted palm oil. We are now working to address the anomaly,” he said.
Buvuma District Chairperson Matia Nixon Ocheng acknowledged that land grabbing had become a widespread challenge affecting not only Church land but also other properties across the district.
The diocesan head of laity, Dr. Augustine Kato, condemned the fraudulent acquisition of Church land through manipulation of land records. He called on those involved to repent and cease the practice before facing legal and spiritual consequences.
Kato also advised Church leaders to put Church land to productive use by establishing income-generating projects, arguing that idle land often attracts encroachers.
The celebrations also provided a platform for leaders to discuss challenges facing the island district, particularly in the fisheries sector. Woman MP Judith Naggujja urged residents to support and work closely with Minister Migadde to address the area’s pressing concerns.
Migadde, in his remarks, vowed to intensify the fight against land grabbing. He alleged that a former government official had fraudulently acquired land titles covering more than 1,000 acres and pledged to pursue all available legal avenues to recover the land.
“We shall not sit back as a few individuals deprive the people and institutions of their rightful land. We shall confront this challenge using all available means,” Migadde said.
The minister also appealed to religious leaders across the island districts to join government efforts to eliminate illegal fishing on Lake Victoria. He argued that restoring fish stocks would improve livelihoods and increase the capacity of Christians to support Church activities and development projects.
“If we work together to stop illegal fishing and fish stocks recover, people will earn more income and be able to contribute meaningfully to Church projects and offerings,” he said.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Migadde and his family pledged to construct a Grotto of the Virgin Mary at the parish in thanksgiving for the blessings him and the family have received.
The 125th anniversary celebrations highlighted the parish’s rich spiritual heritage while also drawing attention to contemporary challenges facing both the Church and the wider Buvuma community.
