Lack of chapel hindering formation at St. Kizito Minor Seminary in Luwero

Luwero, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Rector of St. Kizito Minor Seminary, Nandere, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kasana-Luwero, Rev. Fr. Peter Kisamba Mugerwa, has stated that the lack of a spacious chapel at the seminary is impeding the training of future priests.

The pioneer Bishop of Kasana-Luwero Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga opened St. Kizito Minor Seminary in Nandere in 2001. Initially, due to a small number of seminarians, a tiny chapel was built to accommodate not more than 50 individuals. However, over time, the number of seminarians has risen to more than 250. According to Fr. Kisamba, this challenge has a significant impact on the seminarians’ spiritual and educational development.

He claims they are currently holding prayers in the dining hall, which is unsuitable for worship. During prayers, the clattering of spoons and plates can be distracting and interferes with the sanctity of the Mass. Fr. Kisamba describes the seminary as a beacon of Christ-centered education, emphasizing that the lack of a dedicated chapel is a serious concern because it is a critical component of a spiritual institution. He asserts that everything they do at the seminary is Christ-centered, and the church is the most essential structure at the seminary.

Speaking at the seminary’s 23rd-anniversary festivities over the weekend, Fr. Kisamba stated that they urgently need over 1 billion shillings to build a large chapel that can accommodate hundreds of seminarians. They hope to complete the project by June 30th, 2026, in time for the seminary’s 25th anniversary.

In addition to the church, he believes the seminary requires a library, a science laboratory, and a Mother Mary grotto. Fr. Kisamba also mentioned the need to erect a statue of the seminary’s patron, St. Kizito. These facilities, according to Fr. Kisamba, are critical for the seminarians’ holistic formation, combining spiritual growth with scholastic success.

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