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.