About Us

The Diocese also runs other institutions such as St. Francis Xavier catechetical and pastoral training center, St. John the Evangelist Minor Seminary, Notre Dame technical Center, St. Mary Catholic Social training Center and St. Joseph Youth center. There are also many schools around the town and always they hire cars and ride bi-cycles from far as they attend different functions and excursions.

This is the general background of the Uvira diocese on a tremendous growth with hope for the bright future and service of the Catholic Church in Uvira.

about us

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Uvira

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo was established on April 16, 1962, It was formed from parts of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Bukavu and the Diocese of Kasongo. The diocese is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Bukavu, meaning it is under the jurisdiction of Bukavu

Uvira Diocese covers an area of 36,795 km2 (14,212 sq mi), with a population of over 1,989,000 people, of which Catholics are over 937,000 (47.1 %). The population is on high increase and at the moment the figures may be more than that.

The population is on high increase due to political insecurities that cause people to move from their homes and at the moment the figures may be more than that. The Diocese has got Thirty One (31) parishes, served by about 91 priests (76 Diocesan,15 Religious Priests). There is an average of two to four priests being ordained a very year. The vocations are increasing due to the increase of major seminarians and minor seminarians.

Apart from spreading of the word of God, the local church in Uvira has excelled in other areas like education, health and social development. In the education department the church owns about 19 secondary schools and its minor seminary is now among the best schools in the district. On health department the church runs one major hospital (Notre Dame Hospital) and three health centers.

The local church has introduced microfinance to help its local people to develop economically. The presence of Centenary bank branches in the Diocese, which is now the active bank in the country, is the pride of the diocese and to all people of Uvira.

Mission

we shape the future of the community

That our vision be realized in the concrete realities of the Christian life of the Deaf community in communion with the Church.

Concrete realities

Raising awareness of the Deaf and their needs within our church communities, so as to foster and build closer bonds of charity.

Raising awareness

Reaching out to Deaf members of our church communities, so as to provide support for their growth in faith and love of God and neighbor.

Reaching out

Providing catechesis and spiritual development through regular formation programs, so as to enrich the faith of Deaf Catholics and to evangelise.

Providing catechesis

Facilitating the development of sign language interpreters and those who wish to sign socially, so as to build greater understanding between the Deaf and the wider community, and allow for the interpretation of Holy Mass and formations.

Sign language

Building resources in sign language for worship and instruction in the Catholic faith so as facilitate active participation in the life and prayer of the Church;

Building resources

Supporting each other as a community, so as to make our journey together one of personal social and spiritual growth.

Spiritual growth

ORDINATION 2025

The ordination Ceremony

The ordination Ceremony of 6 deacons to Priesthood and 4 Seminarians to Deaconate is on right now, taking place at St. Johns Minor Seminary in Uvira Diocese.

The Priest Ordinands are:
1. Rev.Fr.philip Mikanyu Kule -St. Mary Parish.
2. Rev.Fr.Landus Baluku -St. Joseph Parish.
3. Rev.Fr. Hailary Katsetere -All Saints Parish
4. Rev.Fr. Landus Bwambale CMF.
5. Rev.Fr.Robert Kule -Notre Dame Parish.
6. Rev.fr. William Kule –St. Francis Xavier.

Deacons are;
1. Dn. Rodrique Asaba
2. Dn. Robert Bwambale Mathande
3. Dn. Russiano Kyengereza
4. Dn. David Bwambale