Our History

From a small outstation to a vibrant parish – the journey of faith of St. Charles Lwanga Bubaare Catholic Parish

Location & Boundaries

Bubaare Parish is located in Ibanda Municipality, Western Uganda. It borders:

  • Bisheshe Division – North of Ibanda Municipality
  • Bufunda Division – South of Ibanda Municipality
  • Kagongo Division – Western part of Ibanda Municipality

Early Beginnings

1930

Bubaare became a place of worship for Catholic Christians as a "Hiika" (outstation) under Ibanda Parish. The number of Christians kept increasing, and the place continued to develop.

1970

Bubaare was officially elevated to the status of a Centre, marking improved pastoral services and infrastructure.

Foundation Stone Laid

28th November 2004

The Archbishop of Mbarara, Paul K. Bakyenga, laid the foundation stone for the parish. The same year, Bubaare received its first resident priests from the Congregation of the Apostles of Jesus.

Consecration of the Church

26th February 2017

His Grace Paul K. Bakyenga opened and consecrated the new church building where Christians now worship. The church stands as a symbol of faith and community growth.

Our Priests

In 2004, Bubaare received priests from the Congregation of the Apostles of Jesus (headquarters in Nairobi), who became the first resident priests to establish the parish.

First Resident Priests (2004)

Fr Joseph Sselugo

Fr George Opio

Fr Godfrey Bataringya

Current Priests

Fr Eladius Tairo

Parish Priest

Fr James Natseba

Assistant Priest

Fr Aloysius Byamukama

Assistant Priest

St. Charles Lwanga

Our parish is named after St. Charles Lwanga, one of the Uganda Martyrs. The full name is St. Charles Lwanga Bubaare Catholic Parish.