On Saturday 11th January, 2025, a huge delegation from the College of Education and External Studies crossed the Equator to attend Dr Joseph Kimoga’s priestly silver jubilee celebrations at his parents’ home in Baja, Bukulula Parish, Masaka Diocese.
Dr Kimoga is an Associate Professor at the East African School of Higher Education Studies and Development, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University.
The delegation included the College Principal, Professor Anthony M. Mugagga, the College Bursar, Mr Stephen Kayima, the School Dean, Dr. Jude Ssempebwa, Prof. F. E. K. Bakkabulindi, Dr Sr Justine Namaganda, Dr Peter M. Ssenkusu, other staff of the College, and dozens of present and past students of the College. These joined thousands of Dr Kimoga’s relatives, friends, colleagues and well-wishers in a colorful service of mass, which was followed by a sumptuous luncheon, live music, dance, presentation of gifts, and merrymaking.
The service, which was led by Dr Kimoga, was graced by the Chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Rt. Rev. Joseph Anthony Zziwa, Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese; the Kalungu East Member of Parliament, Honorable Francis Katongole Katabazi; hundreds of priests, including the Parish Priest of Bukulula Parish; and hundreds of religious sisters and brothers.
In his homily, Fr Godfrey Mukibi humorously chronicled Dr Kimoga’s educational and priestly journey and achievements, highlighting God’s exceptional blessings upon him. Fr Mukibi emphasized that Dr Kimoga’s stellar success as a seminarian and as a priest even if he was not accepted at the first minor seminary to which he applied bears proof that God does not necessarily choose those that people see as able.
“God enables those He chooses,” he said before going on to analogize Dr. Kimoga’s unlikely priestly selection with that of Moses, Joshua, Paul and other biblical characters.
Fr Mukibi commended Dr Kimoga for being meticulous and personable and congratulated him upon reaching his priestly silver jubilee. He also thanked Dr Kimoga’s parents for grooming him in civility, orderliness and a very strong work ethic.
In his address, Bishop Zziwa delivered Pope Francis’ congratulatory message to Dr. Kimoga. The message was signed for the Holy Father by Archbishop Luigi Bianco, the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda.
After the service, Prof. Mugagga congratulated Dr Kimoga upon reaching his priestly silver jubilee. He thanked him specially for showing an example of the ideal Roman Catholic priest in the course of his work at Makerere University and wished him good luck in the years that will lead to his priestly golden jubilee. Prof. Mugagga requested the Uganda Episcopal Conference to deploy more clergy in the various higher education institutions in the country. He explained that young adults in the institutions critically need the counsel and example of the clergy but there aren’t enough clergy men and women in the institutions.
