Our Legacy

A Rich History of Faith and Community Service

Discover Our Story

Exploring the Heritage of Narozaari Catholic Parish

Narozaari Parish was founded in 1900. At that time, Buganda and Western Uganda formed one diocese served by the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) with Msgr Henry Streicher as its chief shepherd. In Uganda, it is the sixteenth oldest parish and the fourth in Masaka Diocese afterVilla Maria and Biikira, these two were founded in 1892, and Kasozi-Kooki (1894). It was curved off from Villa Maria Parish. Its pioneer missionaries were: Pere Gracy Felix, (first parish priest), Pere Pierre Bauducel, and Bro Raphael Brokelling Herman. They arrived on the 21^st April 1900.
The parish land is part of the land which was allocated to the Catholic Church following the Buganda Agreement of 1900. The pioneer missionaries first settled down hill, near the road to Kyannamukaaka, at the village called Kyabbogo. In 1902, the mission was transferred to the present location. The key date of this transfer was the installation of a very big Cross on the top of the hill on the 14^th September 1902, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary was chosen to be the Patron Saint of the parish. The name ‘Narozaari’ comes from here; following the nature of female Baganda names which normally start with ‘Na’, (Na-Rosary). So, Our Lady of the Rosary did not only become the patron saint of the parish, but also her name became the name of the village where the mission is located. The first chapel dedicated to Mary was built on the top of the hill and was completed in 1903. It had been constructed at the site where traditionally the “Nabukongo Spirit” (Omusambwa) was worshipped (venerated). Because of the persistent beliefs in witchcraft and superstitions, Bishop Joseph Kiwanuka and Fr. Timoteo Ssemogerere later on added another patron saint, St. Achilles Kiwanuka who is known to have thrown away the ‘amulets’ when he became a Christian.

The construction of the present parish church was started in 1905 and completed in 1906. It was consecrated on the 6^th June, a date which a few years later became historical because of the beatification of the Ugandan Martyrs on that date in 1920. The material and physical construction of the mission was very much supported by the local chiefs and people one of them being the Ssaza chief of Buddu, Pookino Alex Ssebbowa Kisenyi who was also at that time serving as the leader of the Catholics in Buddu. The present ongoing renovation work on the parish church was inaugurated by the late Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa in 2012.

The teaching of religion, which is the major mission of any Catholic parish, wouldn’t have been as successful as it happened to be without the collaboration and contribution of the catechists and the religious. Since its foundation, Narozaari has been served by many catechists in its outstations today numbering to eighteen. The religious Sisters of the Daughters of Mary (Bannabiikira of Bwanda) arrived in 1910 the year in which their Institute was officially founded. The three pioneer sisters – Sr. Saturiniina, Sr. Pelagia and Sr. Severina – were among the first members of their congregation to pronounce their religious vows. The three pioneer Brothers of St. Charles Lwanga (Bannakaroli) – Bruno Sserunkuuma, Atanansio Bazzekukketta ne Nowa Mawaggali – arrived in 1934, seven years after the foundation of their Institute in 1927 at Kiteredde, Biikira.

124

Years of Existence

Happy Parishioners

Community Projects

Customer Satisfaction

Our Historical Journey

A Unique History in the Catholic Church

Narozaari Parish received its uniqueness in the history of the Catholic Church in Uganda in 1921 when it was chosen to be the first parish in Uganda to be run by the diocesan priests. The historic date was the 15^th August 1921, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Between 1900 and 1921, twenty one missionaries were appointed and served in this parish. The first Ugandan priests in Narozaari were: Fr. Victoro Mukasa Womeraka one of the two first Ugandan Priests and he was the first Ugandan parish priest; Fr. Francis Antonio Njogerere and Fr. Francis Kibira (originally from Fort Portal). Since then, the parish has been served by thirty parish priests and almost the same number of priests officially appointed.

Like other Catholic parishes, Narozaari has served the people of God, spiritually, morally, intellectually and materially. It has greatly contributed to their integral growth and development. Thanks to its focus on the catholic family apostolate, its spiritual sons and daughters have enormously contributed to the growth and development of the Catholic Church and the country in different fields. Many priestly and religious vocations have been born in Narozaari such that at one time it was the parish leading all others in Masaka and in Uganda! It has accompanied people not only on their earthly journey but also in their life after especially by giving birth to the Catholic Association of “Ssekiriba kya Ttaka” in 1926, founded by three laymen: Lovino Kaggwa, Musa Ddaaki and Romano Ssajjabbi.

Presently Narozaari has a number of challenges, for example: lukewarm faith of many Christians, persistent superstitious beliefs, concubinage unions, immorality, poverty, alcoholism, destruction of environment (forests), etc. However, Narozaari has also its strengths: devoted pastoral agents (priests, religious, catechists), and lay leaders; committed Christians; land; electricity recently installed in the area, the new seat of the district recently located on its territory, etc. These ‘blessings’ and our trust in God who has walked with us this far, push us to look to the future with hope and confidence and make us dare say to her: “Narozaari: Grow and develop yourself in spirit and body.”

That is the same hope and confidence that the late Bishop Adrian K. Ddungu, who at one time served in this parish as a priest, expressed in 1975 when Narozaari Parish was celebrating its 75^th anniversary. Finding ourselves in a similar context of jubilee celebrations of our parish, we embrace his hope and wish as expressed fifty years ago:

“Narozaari, we have much hope in you for the future. We wish you God’s blessings, and in a special way pray that you continue growing and developing, so that you do not regress in producing precious fruits. Thus, we will be able “to build the body of Christ; until we all come to unity in our faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, until we become the perfect Man, fully mature with the fullness of Christ himself.” (Ephesians 4: 12)

Our Core Principles

Mission and Values of Narozaari Parish

Our Guiding Mission

Narozali Catholic Parish is dedicated to nurturing the faith of our community by promoting spiritual growth, service, and outreach. We strive to connect individuals with Christ through worship, education, and charitable acts, fostering a supportive environment where every member can thrive in faith.

Our Fundamental Values

We believe in the values of love, service, integrity, and community. Our parish is committed to creating an inclusive environment that upholds the dignity of every person, encourages collaboration, and inspires active participation in both parish life and the broader community.

Connect With Us

Join Our Community and Grow in Faith

Stay updated on our events, services, and community outreach efforts. We would love to welcome you!

Get Involved