SECTOR OF UGANDA – AFRICA
Uganda
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“He Who Began A Good Work In You Will Carry It On To Completion Until The Day Of Christ Jesus”
– Phi 1: 6
We, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes, joyfully introduce our new mission in Uganda, East Africa, as part of our ongoing commitment to live and share the Gospel of Christ through our life of communion, simplicity and compassionate service. Responding to the call of the church and the needs of the people, we have been led by the Spirit to begin our mission here in Uganda.
Brief History: Mission In Uganda
The Provincial Chapter of 1998 gave the mandate to the Provincial Government of the Mysore Province to open missions in Austria, Europe and Tanzania in East Africa.In March 1999 Sr. Mercy Jacob, the Provincial, and Sr. Marie Lucy Sebastian, the General Councilor, visited Tanzania to explore the possibilities of foundations there. Due to certain difficulties the plan was abandoned and their attention was turned to Uganda. The presence of Sr. Marie Lucy in Kenya provided a golden opportunity to make the preliminary contacts. Sr. Sylvia Christie from Kenya, along with Sr. Marie Lucy visited the Dioceses of Kasana Luweero and Jinja in Uganda from May 26th to June 3rd in 2000. The report of the sisters described the situation of poverty and the struggles of the church and the country to build a nation that had suffered from civil wars for many years. The Diocese of Kasana Luweero, erected in 1997, had been badly affected by the war. For further study, Sr. Mercy Jacob, the Provincial along with Sr. Assunta Alvares, visited the Diocese of Kasana Luweero from August 24th to 31st 2000. The study of the sisters’ report contributed for the Council to gothrough discernment. The matter was then referred to the Superior General who gave the approval on 11th October 2000. Following this move the Provincial Chapter of 2001 confirmed the decision to start the foundations in Uganda. The bishop was informed of the decision. The next step was to procure funds to construct the convent for the sisters who would be going there. On contacting various agencies, the Archdiocese of Koln and Missio Aachen, Germany agreed to offer partial financial assistance.On the 12th November with the help of the Bishop, the Chancellor and the Parish Priest the Sisters started with the construction work of the convent.
The volunteers for the new mission were invited, given sufficient preparation and orientation to face the challenges of the overseas mission. It was decided that Sr. Mercy Jacob, Sr.Rosy Sequeira (Superior appointed) would go first to Nakaseke while others would follow.
Entrusting the mission of Uganda to the care of our Heavenly Father with courage and the prayers of the sisters, Sr. Mercy Jacob and Sr.Rosy Sequeira left India on 4th November 2002 and arrived Entebbe International airport on 5th morning. Sisters received a warm welcome from Fr. Lazarus Luyinda, the chancellor of the Diocese and parish priest of Katikamu and Fr. Joseph Keyune, parish priest of Nakaseke belonging to the congregation of Apostles of Jesus. A surprise was waiting for the Sisters. The students of the school and parishioners had gathered in good numbers to welcome them. Sharing the meals with the priests, always prepared in the typical Ugandan style cooked or steamed Matooke(bananas), groundnut sauce, beans, greens, cabbage, cassava, sweet potatoes, meat and fish posed a great challenge for our sisters. Though it was not easy, with determination and a sense of sacrifice they overcame their initial difficulties.
Entrusting the mission of Uganda to the care of our Heavenly Father with courage and the prayers of the sisters, Sr. Mercy Jacob and Sr.Rosy Sequeira left India on 4th November 2002 and arrived Entebbe International airport on 5th morning. Sisters received a warm welcome from Fr. Lazarus Luyinda, the chancellor of the Diocese and parish priest of Katikamu and Fr. Joseph Keyune, parish priest of Nakaseke belonging to the congregation of Apostles of Jesus. A surprise was waiting for the Sisters. The students of the school and parishioners had gathered in good numbers to welcome them. Sharing the meals with the priests, always prepared in the typical Ugandan style cooked or steamed Matooke(bananas), groundnut sauce, beans, greens, cabbage, cassava, sweet potatoes, meat and fish posed a great challenge for our sisters. Though it was not easy, with determination and a sense of sacrifice they overcame their initial difficulties.
Rev. Dr. Late Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, the Bishop, a man of optimism and hope, offered two parishes: Nakaseke and Nattyole, where the presence of the Sisters was required. He expressed that we would be involved in the educational, medical, socio-pastoral activities of the parishes.
On 11th December 2002Sr. Lincy Augustine, and on 17th February 2003 Sr. Anitha D’Mello arrived in Uganda, respectively. On 7th June 2003, Sr. Alphonse D’Souza arrived in Uganda, and formed the complete community of the pioneers of the Uganda Mission. Together they prepared for the blessing and inauguration of the new convent to be held on the 11thJune 2003 with memorable Eucharistic celebration, a family meal and public function.
Uganda forms part of East Africa. It borders Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and South Sudan. Kampala is the capital of the country. Uganda is an agricultural country, where there are very few industries. The country gets 3 times rain and the main crops are Matooke(bananas), maize, coffee, peanuts, cassava, sweet potatoes and millet.
Nearly everyone speaks English. The local people of this region speak Luganda. The medium of instruction in schools is English. The Lakes and the River Nile that takes its source in Lake Victoria, has a lot of fish. Some part of the population lives on fishing. The country being catholic has 24 martyrs who has imparted strong faith in the population. There are ample opportunities for vocations to religious life, especially through the parishes, sub-parishes and schools.
The Initial Beginning…. And The Growth Of The Sector
The SJT mission has steadily flourished across 5 dioceses and its parishes, becoming a vibrant presence in the spiritual, educational and health servicesas a Sector of Uganda. Guided by the Charism of Communion, the Sisters continued to touch lives through dedicated apostolates, empowering communities and nurturing local vocations. Our expanding presence is a testimony to our commitment to live the Gospel and building a just and compassionate society. Today, the Sector stands as a thriving and dynamic presence, contributing meaningfully to the mission of the church in Uganda. The communities serve as a stronghold of spiritual life and apostolic action.
We gratefully acknowledge and recognize the providential hand of God in the steady growth and development of our Sector in Uganda since its humble beginning. We also thank all the sisters who offered their generous service towards the growth of this mission. Today, we are blessed with 41 Sisters in the Sector. Among them, 16 Sisters are missionaries from India, who are rendering their self-less services for the continuity of this mission in Uganda- Africa. The remaining 24 sisters are from Uganda and 1 sister is from Kenya. a beautiful sign of the growth of the Church and the fruitfulness of our Charism in this Land.
VISION STATEMENT: “Being attuned to the voice of God, Recognizing the uniqueness of each sister, we strive to grow in Fraternal Relationship as SJT’S and Become effective Witness of Christ’s Mission as a Sector”
MISSION STATEMENT: “To Be The Prophetess Of Communion”
The presence of SJT communities is visible in various parishes across dioceses, such as:
| DIOCESE | DISTRICT | PARISH and YEAR of our Establishment | VILLAGE | PIONEERS | MINISTRY |
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| Kasana Luweero | Nakaseke | St.Kizito Catholic Parish/ St. Joseph’s Convent, Nakaseke. (11th June 2003) | Kiziba |
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| Kasana Luweero | Luweero | St. Kizito Catholic Parish. St.Joseph’s Convent, Nattyole (6th May2005) | Nattyole |
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| Jinja | Jinja | St.Theresa’s Catholic Parish. St.Joseph’s Convent, Kakira (10thAugust 2004) | Kakira |
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| Kampala | Wakiso | Our Lady of the Consolata Catholic parish. St.Joseph’s convent, Bbuto (16thJanuary 2008) | Bbuto |
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| Mbarara | Shema | St. Claret Catholic Parish. St.Joseph’s Convent, Nyabwina (13th January 2012) | Nyabwina |
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| Jinja | Jinja | St. Joseph’s Cathedral. St. Joseph’s Convent, Jinja (22nd April 2015) | Senior Railway Quarters |
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| Masaka | Masaka | St. Kizito Luvule Catholic Parish. Tarbes Fomation House, Masaka (27th August 2023) | Mitemula |
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Perpetually Professed Indigenous Sisters
1ST BATCH – 2020
2ND BATCH – 2023
3RD BATCH – 2024
Sector Sisters In 2023
This growth reflects God’s continuous blessings upon our mission and the inspiring witness of the sisters who have gone before us. It is a testimony of the collaborative spirit, prayer and hard work of both the Indian missionaries and the Ugandan sisters. Together, we continue to build a vibrant and fraternal community, striving to respond faithfully to the needs of the Church and the Society in Uganda.
The Number Of Sisters In The Sector Of Uganda As On 2025
- Indian Missionaries – 16
- Indigenous Perpetually Professed – 11
- Indigenous Junior Sisters – 14
The Junior Sisters Of The Sector Who Have Made Their 1st Profession
1ST BATCH – 2020
2ND BATCH – 2021
3RD BATCH – 2023
4TH BATCH – 2025
The Senior Novices -4, Junior Novices – 5 With Their Mistress
The 5 Postulants Along With Their Mistress
The 7 Aspirants Along With Their Mistress
The Team of Formators
Graduation of Student Sisters
Graduation of Student Sisters
Graduation of Student Sisters
Graduation of Student Sisters
Ongoing Formation For
The Perpetually Proffesed Sisters
Renewal Programs For The Sisters of
The Sector In Two Batches
Renewal Programs For The Sisters of
The Sector In Two Batches
Orientation For The Animators And In-charges of The Institutions
Orientation For The Bursars of The Community And Institutions
Planning And Orientation For The Vocation Promotors of The Sector
The Formees Under Initial Formation
At the request of the Generalate, the sector of Uganda was requested to extend the formation service to the formees of the Sector of Congo. Hence in the year 2018 the formation houses opened its services to allow the Congo formees to join Ugandan formation program
Canonical Visit Of The Mother General To Uganda – 2024
Welcoming Mother General And
Her Councilor To The Sector Of Uganda
The Sector Council With
Mother General & Her Councilor
Mother General’s Visit To The Various
Communities And Institutions
Canonical Visit of The ProvincialTo The
Sector of Uganda – 2025
Provincial’s Visit To The Various Institutions
The On- Going Formation Group With The Provincial
The Formators Meet With The Provincial
The Formators Meet With The Provincial
Coming Together For A Celebration In
The Diocese of Mbarara
SJT Celebrations In The Sector
SJT Celebrations In The Sector
Sjt Sisters In Collaboration With The Catholic Child Care Uganda - Aru Staff (National Religious Conferene)
We, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes – Sector of Uganda, remain faithful to our mission of living in communion and serving with simplicity, compassion and love. Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by our Charism, we dedicate ourselves to the holistic development of individuals through our ministries in education, health, pastoral care, and social work. With hearts open to the needs of the time, we continue to journey with the people of Uganda, especially the poor and the vulnerable. Trusting in God’s providence and the support of our collaborators, we are committed to building a more just, compassionate and hope-filled future.