Uganda
Historical Background
Having received an invitation through Propaganda Fide, the Congregation of Holy Cross sent missionaries from the United States to Uganda in 1958. The first group, which consisted of four priests, arrived on November 4. They were led by Servant of God Vincent McCauley, who later became the first bishop of the Diocese of Fort Portal. Within a year, they were joined by three brothers.
The Congregation was entrusted with the northern part of Mbarara Diocese, which later evolved into the present-day diocese of Fort Portal, Hoima, and Kasese. During the 1960s, Holy Cross brothers and priests dedicated themselves to establishing and building up the local Church in Uganda through pastoral work and education.
Special attention was given both to basic evangelization and to education and social development. This included the construction of basic infrastructure, including churches, schools, and clinics.
The military coup on January 25, 1971, and the rise to power of Idi Amin Dada ushered in eight years of persecution, violence, and suffering for Uganda. Despite political pressure and threats of violence against its missionaries, the Congregation remained in Uganda and continued ministering to the needs of the people.
The 1980s marked a new beginning for the life and work of Holy Cross in East Africa. For the first time, the Congregation began accepting vocations from Africa. Prior to that, all vocations had been directed to the dioceses so as to establish the local clergy and the local church. Since then, there has been a steady stream of vocations, building up the Congregation in the region.
Today in Uganda, Holy Cross administers several parishes and primary schools, and two secondary schools that cater to students who could not otherwise afford an education: St. Joseph’s Hill in Kyarusozi and Holy Cross Lake View Secondary School in Jinja, which has been recognized nationally for its academic excellence.
Jinja, Uganda, is home to St. Andre Formation House for young men aspiring to become priest or brother candidates in Holy Cross, and is located near the picturesque headwaters of the Nile River. The Holy Cross Novitiate for East Africa is located at the edge of Lake Saaka, near the city of Fort Portal.
Holy Cross in East Africa Today
Finally Professed Priests
Finally Professed Brothers
Temporarily Professed CSCs
Men in Formation
Resources for Partnerships
Ministries Near Jinja
Holy Cross Lake View Senior Secondary School, Jinja
Rev. Prosper Atukwatse, C.S.C., Head Teacher
Holy Cross Parish, Bugembe
Rev. Dennis Lule, C.S.C., Pastor
St. André Health Center, Bugembe
Rev. Dennis Lule, C.S.C., Director
Bishop McCauley House, Kampala
Administration Center for the Province of East Africa
Ministries Near Kyarusozi
St. Joseph’s Hill Secondary School, Kyembogo
Br. Joe Kaganda, C.S.C., Head Teacher
St. Jude Tadeo Parish, Kyarusozi
Rev. James Burasa, C.S.C., Pastor
Experience with Immersion Groups
The Holy Cross community in Uganda welcomes international visitors to their ministries, including Holy Cross men in formation, parish groups visiting for service-immersion experiences, and medical aid groups that come to serve at St. André Health Center in Bugembe. Each Holy Cross community house in Uganda has 3-4 guest beds in self-contained rooms. Larger groups traveling to Uganda would likely require hotel reservations in close proximity to each ministry site.
Nearest Airport
Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
Kampala Road, Entebbe
Uganda
Nearby Universities for Potential Partnership
| Institution of Higher Education | Rank in Uganda |
| Makerere University | 1 |
| Kamapala International University | 3 |
| Uganda Martyrs University | 7 |
Health & Safety
The government of Uganda requires proof of yellow fever immunizations or visitors may be denied entry. Visit the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date vaccine and medication recommendations for U.S. travelers to Uganda.
The Holy Cross leaders in Uganda regularly monitor and advise immersion groups on safety concerns in their ministry region.
For every region of the world, the U.S. Department of State maintains updated travel advisories for U.S. citizens to consider when traveling abroad.
U.S. Embassy in Uganda:
Plot 1577 Ggaba Road
Kampala, Uganda
Telephone: +(256)(0) 414-306-001
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(256)(0) 414-306-001
Fax: +(256)(0) 414-259-794
Email: kampalauscitizen@state.gov
Travel Documentation
The following documents are needed for entry into Uganda:
- A passport that is valid for at least six months after the anticipated departure date. One blank page is required to receive an entry stamp upon arrival.
- Tourist e-visa.
- Proof of yellow fever immunizations.
Visit the U.S. Department of State webpage on Uganda for more information.
Partner With Us
Join our global Mission.
To further explore partnership opportunities with the Holy Cross Mission Center and our ministry partners around the world, contact Assistant Director for Community Engagement Michael Jezewak at mjezewak@holycrossusa.org or (574) 631 – 8884; or schedule a discovery call using the link below: