In the life of a parish, a priest is not only a spiritual leader. He is also a teacher, counselor, community mobilizer and, at times, a catalyst for social and economic transformation.
At Kicwamba Catholic Parish in Fort Portal Diocese, Rev. Fr. Dominic Tumusiime has distinguished himself as a priest whose ministry goes beyond the pulpit. Through his pastoral work, he has sought to strengthen the spiritual, social and economic well being of the Christian community entrusted to his care.
One of the areas that has defined his ministry is the promotion of agriculture, particularly coffee growing. Recognizing farming as an important source of livelihood for many families in the area, Fr. Tumussiime has consistently encouraged Christians to embrace coffee growing as a long-term investment.
His message to parishioners is simple but practical: faith and development can work hand in hand.
Under his encouragement, Christians have been urged to establish and maintain coffee gardens, with the aim of improving household incomes and strengthening the economic well being of families. He has also demonstrated this vision through action by promoting extensive coffee growing on parish land.
The parish coffee project is intended to provide a sustainable source of income that can contribute to the running of parish activities and reduce dependence on other sources of funding.
For Fr. Tumusiime, therefore, farming is not merely an economic activity. It is part of empowering Christians to become more self-reliant while enabling the Church to strengthen its capacity to serve the community.
A Priest Close to His People
Beyond agriculture, Fr. Tumusiime has placed considerable emphasis on pastoral outreach.
Through various apostolic activities, he has reached out to parishioners in their homes and communities, offering counseling and guidance to families facing different challenges. His ministry has created opportunities for Christians to openly share their concerns and seek spiritual and practical guidance.
Family-related challenges, personal struggles and other issues affecting the well being of parishioners have formed part of this pastoral engagement.
His approach reflects a belief that the Church’s mission should not be confined to the sanctuary. It must also reach people where they live, work and face the realities of everyday life.
A Voice of Healing and Hope
For many Christians at Kicwamba Catholic Parish, Fr. Tumusiime is also known for his preaching.
Through his homilies and spiritual teachings, he has sought to speak to the realities of people’s lives, offering messages of faith, hope, reconciliation and perseverance.
His preaching has touched many parishioners and, according to those who have experienced his ministry, brought comfort and renewed hope to people going through difficult moments.
Rather than viewing preaching simply as the delivery of religious teachings, his ministry presents it as an opportunity to encourage people to reflect on their lives, strengthen their relationship with God and seek reconciliation with one another.
Building Bridges Through Ecumenism
Another notable aspect of Fr. Tumusiime’s ministry is his commitment to ecumenism.
He has promoted joint prayers and fellowship between Catholics and members of the Anglican Church, helping to strengthen Christian unity within the community.
One of the visible expressions of this cooperation is the joint observance of religious occasions such as the Way of the Cross on Good Friday.
Such initiatives provide an opportunity for Christians from different traditions to come together in prayer and reflection, emphasizing their shared faith while respecting their different church traditions.
For a community where different Christian denominations live side by side, this spirit of cooperation can contribute to greater unity, understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Faith Put into Action
The story of Rev. Fr. Dominic Tumusiime at Kicwamba Catholic Parish is, in many ways, a story of faith being translated into action.
Through the promotion of coffee growing, he has encouraged Christians to think about sustainable livelihoods and the economic future of their families. Through the parish’s agricultural initiatives, he has sought to create a foundation for sustaining Church activities.
Through pastoral outreach and counseling, he has brought the Church closer to families. Through preaching, he has sought to provide spiritual nourishment and hope. And through ecumenical activities, he has promoted cooperation and unity among Christians.
His ministry demonstrates the many dimensions of pastoral leadership: nurturing faith, supporting families, encouraging economic empowerment and building bridges within the wider Christian community.
At Kicwamba Catholic Parish, Rev. Fr. Dominic Tumusiime continues to serve not only as a shepherd of souls, but also as a community builder—encouraging Christians to grow in faith while taking practical steps toward stronger families, sustainable livelihoods and a more united community.