Kisubi Seminary kicks off Platinum Celebrations

The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, has inaugurated the celebrations marking the platinum jubilee (75 years) of Kisubi Seminary. He called on parents to prioritize instilling values and discipline in their children.

Archbishop Ssemogerere, the chief guest at Kisubi Seminary Day, also initiated fundraising efforts for a new UGX 2.5 billion multi-purpose block and commissioned an organizing committee to oversee the various activities leading up to the celebrations in June 2026.

He pledged UGX 100 million towards the project, while parents and well-wishers contributed UGX 10.143 million in cash. According to the seminary rector, Fr. Francis Ssenngendo, the new Platinum Joseph Cabana Block will house dormitories, classrooms, a computer laboratory, a library, and a hall.

In his sermon, Bishop Ssemogerere praised the vision and dedication of the late Joseph Cabana, the Bishop of Kampala Archdiocese 73 years ago. The Canadian missionary contributed to the Church in Africa's efforts to produce indigenous ministers.

Archbishop Ssemogerere was welcomed by Fr. Ssenngendo from the Entebbe Road branch-off and escorted halfway to the seminary, where the institution’s brass band awaited. The band led the procession to the seminary, where the Bishop planted a tree to commemorate the day and commissioned four basketball and lawn tennis courts.

During his sermon, Bishop Ssemogerere commended parents for their support of the institution and praised the students for their discipline, noting the absence of strikes, which are common in other educational institutions. He emphasized that good conduct and behavior by parents significantly influence their children's futures. He highlighted the seminary's success in producing many priests, bishops, and other valuable citizens.

The Bishop elicited laughter when he mentioned that wives of former seminarians often reported that the seminary had nurtured good husbands. He urged current seminarians to follow this example and become good professionals and citizens, even if they do not pursue priesthood.

In his speech, Fr. Ssenngendo observed that some parents had not fulfilled their grooming roles well, as evidenced by the conduct of some boys who joined the institution in Senior One and Senior Four. "However, when they report and we see issues of bad conduct, we immediately start on a correction journey, and many change," he said.

He attributed the problem to parents adopting the "planned kid" syndrome instead of a "prepared kid." He explained that the seminary maintained no cleaners or sweepers because it nurtured holistic individuals who engaged in community work.

“At Kisubi Seminary, we are an institution, a family, and a community. That is why this is called a formation house, where we cater for spiritual, academic, social, and human formation,” he explained. He added that efforts were also being made to transform wayward parents into responsible ones.

Fr Ssenngendo

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Fr. Ssenngendo noted that the seminary, originally designed to accommodate 150 students, now has over 400, necessitating more infrastructure. The Cabana block is expected to alleviate this issue once completed. The seminary needs UGX 2.5 billion for the project, of which UGX 80 million has been saved from fees collection and donations.

The event was attended by rectors of other seminaries and alumni. The seminary also awarded outstanding students and staff for achievements in academics, discipline, sports, and exemplary work.