ARCHDIOCESE OF MWANZA INAUGURATES ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL SEMINARY

By Alfred S. Mbonye
Communications Department, Archdiocese of Mwanza

After many years of anticipation, the Archdiocese of Mwanza has implemented one of the resolutions of its Diocesan Synod by establishing a seminary dedicated to the formation of candidates for the sacred priesthood.

Speaking during the Holy Mass marking the inauguration of the seminary, the Archbishop of Mwanza, Most Rev. Renatus Nkwande, explained that the establishment of the seminary was prompted by the growing number of priestly vocations. In recent years, the Archdiocese has received an increasing number of young men expressing their desire to join the seminary and discern their calling to the priesthood.

Furthermore, Archbishop Nkwande noted that the Archdiocese had been incurring substantial expenses to send seminarians abroad for their formation, as national seminaries had become increasingly overstretched. He emphasized that, as the Archbishop, he had a responsibility to find a lasting solution to this challenge.

Reading the official declaration inaugurating the seminary, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Mwanza, Rev. Fr. Theogenes Madushi, stated:

“After observing, praying, and deeply reflecting on the gift we receive from Almighty God through the increase in priestly vocations, we recognize the importance of establishing formation centres for major seminarians. Following consultations with the relevant groups and authorities, and acknowledging the great importance of forming young men called by God to the ministerial priesthood, we have become convinced that this is the appropriate time to establish a diocesan major seminary in our Archdiocese of Mwanza.”

According to the Archbishop's statement, St. Michael the Archangel Seminary will initially admit seminarians at the Philosophy level, while preparations continue for the introduction of Theology studies in the near future.

The seminary will provide a comprehensive formation programme encompassing the spiritual, disciplinary, academic, intellectual, moral, human, and administrative dimensions of priestly formation. This formation will be grounded in the teachings of the Church, the laws and regulations of the Church, and the traditions of the local Church.

Rev. Fr. Maximilian Buluma has been appointed as the seminary's first Rector, while Rev. Fr. Michael Simwinga has been appointed as Spiritual Director.

The historic event took place on 17 October 2026, in Nyegezi, Mwanza, and was attended by the faithful, religious men and women, priests, and bishops from various dioceses.

Among the bishops who participated in this historic occasion were:

  1. Most Rev. Severine Niwemugizi – Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rulenge-Ngara.

  2. Most Rev. Almachius Rweyongeza – Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kayanga.

  3. Most Rev. Simon Masondole – Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bunda.

  4. Most Rev. Prosper Balthazar Lyimo – Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bariadi.

The establishment of St. Michael the Archangel Seminary marks an important milestone in the history of the Archdiocese of Mwanza, strengthening its commitment to nurturing priestly vocations and providing formation for young men discerning a call to serve God and His people through the priesthood.