By Immaculate Tusingwire, MMS………………………
Religious men and women across Uganda on 2nd February 2026, gathered in their respective dioceses to celebrate the Day of Consecrated life in vibrant and prayerful ceremonies. Some dioceses could not celebrate on the exact day, but they all celebrated in the month of February.
The celebrations were organized by the different dioceses in collaboration with the branches of the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU), bringing together priests, sisters, brothers, and lay faithful in thanksgiving for the gift of consecrated life
Across the four ecclesiastical provinces, the celebrations began in a symbolic solemn procession of candles. The lights, carried by consecrated men and women, served as a powerful reminder of Christ, the Light of the World, and the mission entrusted to them through their profession of the evangelical counsels.
In the Archdiocese of Kampala, the Archbishop, Rt. Rev. Paul Ssemogerere, who was the main celebrant expressed heartfelt gratitude to the religious for their steadfast presence and service in the archdiocese. He thanked them for believing that God is enough and for courageously holding the light in the darkness of today’s world. He commended their ministry in schools, hospitals, parishes, and marginalized communities, noting that their fidelity continues to strengthen the life of the Church.
Meanwhile, in the Archdiocese of Tororo, the Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Christopher Emuseet presided over the Eucharistic celebration and in his homily reminding the consecrated persons present that through their profession of vows, they become visible signs of Christ’s light in a world often marked by confusion and uncertainty. He emphasized that consecrated life is a living memory of Jesus’ way of living and acting, a vocation that remains at the heart of the Church.
ARU Assistant Secretary General Rev. Sr. Justine Naluggya, IHMR, attended the Tororo celebration. In her address, Sr. Justine summarized the message of the International Day for Consecrated Persons from the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated life and the Societies of Apostolic Life. The theme for the message was, “Prophecy of presence, consecrated life where dignity is wounded and faith is tested.” Sr. Justine invited the religious to be present in the places where dignity is wounded especially in the current Ugandan situation and to be prophets of hope as concrete signs that God has not abandoned his people.
All the celebrations across the country, as shared by ARU Branch coordinators, reflected expressions of joy and gratitude for the gift of consecrated life. In every celebration, the message was constant: consecrated persons are called to be the light of the world and a beacon of hope.
