Catholics across Uganda have joined millions of faithful worldwide in celebrating the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The feast, observed every August 15, commemorates the Catholic belief that Mary was taken body and soul into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life. The feast was formally declared a Catholic dogma by Pope Pius XII in 1950.
The celebrations were marked by Holy Masses, prayers, hymns and processions at Catholic churches and Marian shrines across the country.
At Kiwamirembe Catholic Shrine in the Entebbe Vicariate of Kampala Archdiocese, thousands of faithful gathered to honour the Virgin Mary and seek her intercession, while praying for peace, families, the sick and the country.
In Kazo District, thousands of Christians gathered at St. Paul Catholic Parish in Kazo Town Council for the celebrations.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Conrad Kamwesigye, urged Christians to remain faithful to God, take their responsibilities seriously and strengthen their prayer life.
He described Mary as a role model, calling on Christians to emulate her wisdom and faith.
The Deputy RDC of Kazo District, Mugisha Basil Paddy, urged Christians to work together and maintain unity, saying they worship one God.
Meanwhile, in Ibanda Town, Rev. Fr. Eladius Tairo, Parish Priest of St. Charles Lwanga Bubaare Catholic Parish, called on Christians to reject hatred, jealousy and rivalry.
Drawing from the biblical account of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth in Luke 1:39–56, Fr. Tairo encouraged Christians to embrace humility, love one another and support community development.
He warned that jealousy and hatred can hinder both spiritual and community progress, urging Christians to share their blessings, care for vulnerable people and promote unity in families and society.
The celebrations across Uganda were also an opportunity for Catholics to reflect on Mary’s faith, humility and obedience to God, and to draw inspiration from her example in their daily lives.