The inauguration day at Kipalapala Seminary was held on the 4^th October, 2024. The event commenced at 9:30 am with the opening prayer led by the General Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Theodatus Maramba.

After the opening prayer, the Rector, Rev. Fr. Herman Kachema, was welcomed to give an opening speech. In his speech, he welcomed all to the new academic year 2024/2025. He introduced the seminarians enrolled for this new academic year as follows: 69 first year seminarians, 53 second year seminarians and 110 third year seminarians. He also introduced 16 full time staff members and 2 part time staff members making the total number of 18 formators for this academic year. He briefed us about the important events of this academic year including the Centenary Jubilee of our seminary inviting us to get prepared and participate fully in their preparations.

The General Spiritual Director addressed the audience after the Rector insisting on the ‘self-formation.’ He called upon us to cooperate with God’s grace, for it is God who is the first formator. He also asked us to cooperate with other formators who follow after God for their work greatly depends on our disposition towards the formation process.

On behalf of the Academic Dean, Fr. Celestine Mahurege, insisted on the lectures attendance and avoiding negligence as far as academic issues are concerned. He also invited us to create a reading spirit during our leisure time so that we can develop intellectually.

Fr. Athanasius Mutasingwa, on behalf of the Dean of Discipline, invited us to read carefully the “Seminarian’s Way of Life” for it is a sine qua non for our well-being in the Seminary. He read out some rules from the document, “Seminarian’s way of Life’” emphasizing the point. He concluded by asking those given special duties to perform them carefully, willingly and to the best of their abilities.

Then, the Liturgist, Fr. Andrea Luziga, insisted on the respect for liturgical celebrations. He thus called upon us to participate actively in the liturgical celebrations as well as making prior preparation before any liturgical activity and observing the required dressing codes.

Other formatters were invited to say a word to us and they did as instructed by encouraging us to continue cooperating and helping each other in this journey to priesthood. Fr. Germin Longio gave the so called Triple B’s: Believe, Begin and Become.

Due to the shortage of time, the Senior Student Frt. Ezekiel Boyo, welcomed some few seminarians to air out their views. Having done this, he then gave a welcoming note to the new members of the community and a word of thanks to the formatters on behalf of all seminarians.

Finally, the Rector was welcomed to give the concluding remarks and close the event. In his concluding remarks, he answered some of the queries of the seminarians and invited each of us to bloom where he is planted, and for this case at Kipalapala Seminary. The event was closed by the Angelus prayer and blessings at 1:00 P.M led by Rev. Fr. Leander Bei.

Prepared by: Frt. Joannes Kamugisha