Kampala, Uganda | Kampala Archbishop Dr. Paul Ssemogerere has expressed more concern over the migration of Catholics, particularly youth, to other faiths than the recent census figures from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), which suggest a decline in church membership.
Speaking to the congregation during the 58th Kampala Archdiocesan Day celebrations at Rubaga, the Archbishop reassured attendees about the vitality of the Catholic community. “While the census results might indicate a reduction in numbers, I see a different reality during baptisms, confirmations, and weddings. The turnout is often overwhelming,” he stated.
Reflecting on the confirmation process, Archbishop Ssemogerere noted that he has had to enlist additional priests to manage the growing number of children being confirmed. He quoted Matthew 9:37-38, emphasizing the need for more laborers in the harvest.
The provisional census report released on October 3 indicated that Catholics constitute 37% of the national population, down from 39.3% in 2014 and 41.6% in 2002. Despite this percentage decline, the absolute number of Catholics has risen, increasing from 13,407,764 in 2014 to 16,985,004 in 2024.
The Archbishop acknowledged the concerns voiced by the congregation regarding the census figures but urged them to remain calm. He also pointed out that while the statistics may not accurately reflect the Catholic presence, they highlight the need for introspection within the Church, especially regarding its engagement with youth.
Murmurs of concern spread through the congregation as he addressed the census data, which had been briefly posted online before being taken down due to public scrutiny.
The data showed the highest concentrations of Catholics in regions like Karamoja (76.1%) and Lango (63.9%), with Busoga having the lowest at 16.9%. The report indicated a slight decline in traditional religious groups while noting growth in Pentecostal and evangelical denominations.
Archbishop Ssemogerere expressed skepticism about the census accuracy but acknowledged a troubling trend of young Catholics shifting to other denominations, drawn by miracle-focused and prosperity-driven preaching.
He emphasized that while the Church must not compromise its core values, it should adapt its evangelization efforts to resonate with younger generations and deepen their understanding of Catholic teachings.
Referencing a recent encyclical from Pope Francis, he called on the faithful to renew their authentic devotion and to reject individualism and greed, which plague society. He lamented the tragic loss of life in the Kigoogwa tanker inferno, attributing part of the disaster to greed, as some individuals ignored warnings in their quest for free fuel.
The Rubaga celebrations attracted thousands of congregants from across the archdiocese, who participated in a traditional march after Mass to demonstrate their unity and support for the Archbishop. The event concluded with a festive meal for all attendees.
