Kidugala Lutheran Seminary, under the ELCT Southern Diocese, successfully held its 43rd graduation on Saturday, 25th October 2025. The event was held at the seminary grounds, attended by church leaders, teachers, families of graduates, and various guests from within and outside the Diocese. At the graduation, graduates from various levels were awarded certificates as follows:
- Evangelists – 43rd Graduation
- Church Music Course
- Certificate in Theology
- Diploma in Theology – 5th Graduation
- Form Four – 41st Graduation
Parade of Graduates
The graduation ceremony began with a formal parade of graduates, which proceeded from the administration office building on the Theology side of the college and headed to the seminary hall, the official venue of the event. The graduates passed through in a disciplined and joyful manner, dressed in their formal dress, while being led by the teachers and seminary leaders.
The graduation was preceded by a special graduation service, led by Rev. Amani Kabelege, the District Pastor of Kidugala District. The service was filled with thanksgiving, prayers, and words of encouragement for the graduates and all participants. During the service, various choirs served effectively, including:
- Theology Course Students’ Choir
- Secondary Students’ Choir
- Trumpet Choir
Holy Communion Service
After the graduation service, a Holy Communion service was held led by the Bishop of the ELCT Southern Diocese, Rev. Dr. George Mark Fihavango, assisted by several pastors. The service brought together the participants at the Lord’s table, as a symbol of unity, holiness, and dedication to service.
Sending Graduates to Work
At the climax of the event, Bishop Fihavango led the service to send all the graduates to work, blessing them and praying for their services in various areas. He emphasized the importance of being witnesses of Christ through actions, ethics, and hard work in the communities they are sent to.
In a sermon that was linked to his official speech, Bishop Fihavango read the Word of God from Proverbs 29:18 and Habakkuk 2:2, delivering a message titled “THE POWER OF VISION.” He explained that: “The function of a vision is to provide direction. Because without vision, people do strange things.”
He urged that everyone should have a vision in various areas of life such as economy, family, service and community development. He emphasized that a vision brings discipline, determination and a direction for success. In his conclusion, he gave a unique observation on the use of technology, saying: “Phones should not become a curse but a blessing and a door to opportunity.”
Graduation Ceremony
After all the religious activities were completed, the seminary hall was transformed into a formal ceremony platform, where guests and graduates participated in joy and congratulations. The ceremonies were led with skill and enthusiasm by MC Mwalimu Mbwilo, who managed the program with great skill, bringing life, discipline and solidarity among the participants.
During the ceremonies, guests had the opportunity to give greetings, gifts and congratulations to the graduates, while various entertainments continued. Bishop Dr. George Mark Fihavango, as the guest of honor, concluded by congratulating the graduates and encouraging them to continue to be the light and salt of the earth in the areas they will serve. During the ceremonies, various greetings were given by:
- Parents’ Representative, who expressed gratitude to the teachers and seminary leaders for the excellent spiritual and academic upbringing of their children.
- Government Representative, who emphasized cooperation between religious institutions and the government in strengthening the values and development of society.
- A representative of the Diocese, who congratulated the graduates on the progress they had made and encouraged them to continue their ministry with diligence and humility.
Seminary Director’s Response
In his response, Kidugala Seminary Director Reverend Wallace Mathias Lupenza thanked all parents for the faith they showed in bringing their children to study at the institution. He also made a special appeal to parents to ensure that: “After the results of Form Four are out, your children should be sent back to continue their studies in Form Five and Six.” He also asked parents and graduates to actively participate in the seminary’s work, especially in the renovation of infrastructure, in order to develop a better learning and service environment.
Generally
This 43rd graduation of Kidugala Lutheran Seminary has left a mark of blessing, solidarity, and renewed hope for the church and the community. Through the services, speeches, greetings, and celebrations, one message remained clear: a right vision produces purposeful ministry and lasting fruit.
We congratulate all the graduates on the steps they have taken, and we pray that God’s grace will cover them as they begin a new chapter in life and ministry. We thank parents, teachers, church leaders, and all stakeholders for their unique contributions. Kidugala Seminary will continue to be a place of spiritual and professional formation, and we welcome sincere cooperation in strengthening the infrastructure and learning environment.
Together, let us continue to build a generation with vision, values, and a heart to serve the community for the glory of God. To watch some events Click here>> https://youtu.be/qxGVsFK4sTM
Provided by:
Rev. Christian Nakoli
+255 769 628 082
nakolichristian@gmail.com