By Sentamu Moses
On a joyous occasion, the Rt. Rev. Moses Banja, Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, inducted Reverend Herbert Settumba and inaugurated the new Parish of St Apollo Abaita Ababiri.
The ceremony, held at St Apollo Abaita Ababiri, Entebbe Archdeaconry, Namirembe Diocese also saw the groundbreaking ceremony for a new building named the Bishop Moses Banja Complex.
The event began with Bishop Banja leading the clergy in a procession from a newly constructed house, which will serve as the residence for the Parish Priest, before proceeding to the church for the induction service.
The ceremony was graced by dignitaries from the government and the Buganda Kingdom, including the Wakiso District Chairperson Matia Lwanga Bwanika, Katabi Town Council Mayor Ronald Kalema, Busiro South Member of Parliament Charles Matovu, deacons, priests, and lay leaders.
During the induction, Bishop Banja inducted Rev. Herbert Settumba as the first Parish priest of Abaita Ababiri Parish.
He administered the rites of baptism for children and adults, officiated marriages, preached the gospel, confirmed believers, and led the congregation in Holy Communion.
In his sermon, Bishop Banja urged the clergy and laity to remain steadfast and avoid hypocrisy to grow the flock of Christ, he also called on parents to guide their children in knowing God and encouraged the community to stay united, avoiding political divisions.
Following the induction, Rev. Herbert Settumba was enthroned as the Parish priest of the new parish, which oversees four churches: St. Apollo, Bubuli Chapel, Bugabo Chapel, and Kitinda Chapel.
In his remarks, Rev Settumba expressed gratitude to those who supported him in reaching this milestone and appealed for continued support to fulfill his mission of saving souls.
Mayor Ronald Kalema commended Bishop Banja for granting Abaita Ababiri a Parish, noting its significance for the region’s development.
He urged the community to uphold the dignity of the new parish. Similarly, Wakiso District Chairperson Matia Lwanga Bwanika congratulated St. Apollo Church on achieving this status, emphasizing its importance to the community.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and unity, as the congregation celebrated the establishment of the new parish and the leadership of Rev. Settumba, poised to guide the faithful in their spiritual journey.
