The Church in Kenya

Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde of the Solwezi Diocese in Zambia attributed his leadership approach to the shared identity and unity of the eight episcopal conferences within the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA).

In an interview with AMECEA Online, Bishop Kasonde stated that the sense of the Church in Eastern Africa working as one family helped the organization navigate the near-collapse of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), increase vocations, and renew its commitment to evangelization.

Bishop Kasonde served in AMECEA leadership for 16 years. He held the position of chairman for social communication from 2010 to 2018 and served eight years as chairman of AMECEA. His role as chairman also included serving as chancellor of CUEA.

His term as chairman concluded at the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly in Nairobi in July 2026. Archbishop Gervas John Mwasikwabhila Nyaisonga was elected to succeed him.

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) University Council has approved three new centers to support research, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning. Vice Chancellor and rector Very Rev. Fr. Elias Omondi Opongo announced the decision during the university graduation ceremony on Friday, October 23.

The new centers include the Centre for Innovation, Enterprise and Future Skills, which will teach digital skills and emerging technologies to help students and graduates start businesses. The Centre for Research, Innovation and Integral Human Development will manage interdisciplinary research, publications, and grant development to address societal challenges. The third center, the Centre for Learning, Outreach and Formation, will provide professional development, leadership training, and continuing education.

Fr. Opongo stated that the centers are intended to implement the university's new vision by providing practical opportunities. The facilities are designed to serve current students, graduates, and professionals, allowing alumni to return to the university for mentorship and collaboration.

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa is set to introduce a degree program in Small Christian Communities (SCCs). Bishop Mark Kadima Wamukoya of the Bungoma Diocese announced the upcoming program during the university's 45th graduation ceremony at its Nairobi campus on Friday, October 23.

The bishops of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) directed the university to develop the degree. The program is intended to help the Church evaluate how SCCs are implemented across the region and to improve implementation through research and academic study.

Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde has completed his term as Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), handing over the institution to a new chancellor.

In an interview with AMECEA Online News, the Bishop of Solwezi Diocese, Zambia, attributed the university's recovery to the collaborative efforts of bishops, the University Council, management, and staff. He noted that the institution has seen growth in both student enrollment and educational quality.

Bishop Kasonde stated that the university leadership developed a turnaround strategy to address previous challenges. He noted that the Commission for University Education granted the university time to implement these changes. He specifically credited Vice Chancellor Father Stephen Mbugua for working with the Senate, priests, religious, and staff to revive the university.

The Catholic University of Malawi conducted a mental health outreach program at Pius XII Minor Seminary on Friday, October 23, 2026. The program, organized by the university chaplain's office, aimed to increase awareness of mental health issues and promote psychosocial well-being among the seminarians.

Fr. Kondwani Mwenegamba, the university chaplain and a psychosocial counselor, said the program supports the holistic formation of seminarians as they pursue academic, spiritual, and personal development while discerning a vocation to the priesthood. The outreach helped students understand the importance of emotional and psychological health and the necessity of seeking support for mental health challenges.

The university intends to continue promoting mental health awareness to reduce stigma and discrimination. Fr. Mwenegamba stated that the goal is to encourage individuals to seek help early and to create supportive environments where people can discuss their struggles without fear of judgment.

The Diocese of Kasese launched the Greening Kasese Forest Project on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, to plant more than 8,000 trees across 20 acres in Hima Town Council. Bishop Francis Aquirinus Kibira Kambale officially opened the project at the Hima Catholic Parish grounds.

The project follows the environmental conservation principles in Pope Francis’ encyclical *Laudato Si'*. Bishop Kibira stated that environmental protection is a shared responsibility for individuals, families, religious institutions, and government authorities to ensure the preservation of nature for future generations. He noted that human survival depends on the health of the natural environment, specifically regarding food, clean air, and water.

The Good Forest Foundation Uganda will implement the project with support from Centenary Bank. Caritas-Kasese will supervise the implementation on behalf of the diocese. The diocese also encouraged individuals to plant at least two trees during significant life events, such as baptisms, confirmations, weddings, or funerals.

The Catholic University of Malawi has renewed its effort to raise $576,036.87 for its endowment fund to help disadvantaged students afford and complete their higher education.

During a press conference this week, Deputy Vice Chancellor Rev. Fr. Dr. Raphael Mkuzi stated that many academically capable students struggle to pay tuition and other educational expenses. He noted that although the university is a private institution, it serves many students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

The university intends to use the endowment to generate an annual budget of $120,967.74. These funds are intended to support 100 needy students. Fr. Mkuzi said the initiative is based on the Catholic Social Teaching principle of the preferential option for the poor. The university plans to increase its fundraising through various activities and engagement with stakeholders.

Most Rev. Gervas John Mwasikwabhila Nyaisonga, the new Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), urged more than 3,000 graduates to practice servant leadership during the university's 45th graduation ceremony on October 23.

Speaking at the Langata Main Campus, Archbishop Nyaisonga told the graduating class to lead their professional sectors using Catholic values. He stated that the university's purpose is to form ethical leaders and advised graduates to carry truth, solidarity, and sacrifice into their workplaces. He noted that leadership should be measured by service to others rather than by position or privilege.

This ceremony was the first Archbishop Nyaisonga attended as Chancellor. He assumed the role following his election as Chairman of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) during the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly held at the university in July. During his address, he also paid tribute to his predecessor, Bishop Charles Sampa.

Very Rev. Fr. Elias Omondi Opongo, SJ, urged graduates of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa to become innovators and job creators during the university's 45th graduation ceremony on Friday, October 23.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor told the graduates that their education carries a responsibility to create opportunities for others, particularly for young people who did not attend university. Fr. Opongo advised students to focus on solving societal problems and acquiring new skills rather than only seeking employment that matches their specific degrees.

The Vice Chancellor, who is presiding over his first graduation since taking office, stated that success requires agility, creativity, adaptability, and digital relevance alongside academic performance.

The Catholic Women’s Organisation in the Archdiocese of Lusaka raised K8.1 million, approximately US$426,316, for the 2026 Seminarian Fund. This total is an increase of K1 million, or about US$52,632, from the previous year's contribution.

Archbishop Alick Banda commended the group during the annual fund presentation, noting that the money supports the preparation of future priests for pastoral ministry. Members of the Catholic Women Association from the Diocese of Mzuzu in Malawi attended the event.

Catholic youth representatives in Zambia are calling for increased pastoral support and mental health awareness programs to address rising distress and suicide among young people. During the National Catholic Youth Annual General Meeting, participants identified mental health as a primary concern alongside issues such as early pregnancy and marriage.

National Catholic Youth Chairperson Robbert Miti stated that unemployment, social rejection, and a lack of trusted confidants contribute to the distress experienced by young people. Miti noted that without reliable support, some individuals may become overwhelmed by their circumstances.

Miti proposed that the Church implement mental health sensitization programs starting in Small Christian Communities and extending to parish and diocesan levels. He also suggested organizing seminars and youth-focused initiatives to establish safe environments where young people can seek guidance and speak openly about their struggles.

Bishop George Cosmas Zumaire Lungu of Chipata, Zambia, called on members of the Catholic Men's League to strengthen their prayer life during the commissioning of members at Mphangwe Prayer Centre.

Bishop Lungu told the members to emulate the hard work of St. Joseph and to accept various leadership positions in the Church as a form of sacrifice. He advised the men to avoid worldly pleasures and to remain steadfast in the work of God.

The bishop also instructed members to ensure their homes reflect Christian values and to teach their children how to pray. He stated that the devil attacks people who are not prayerful.

Bishop Francis Aquirinus Kibira Kambale urged husbands to fulfill their family responsibilities during a Holy Matrimony Mass at St. Francis Kyabikere Parish on October 17. Addressing more than 30 couples, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kasese in Uganda cautioned men against leaving wives to manage household affairs alone. He advised men to take active roles in providing for families, monitoring spending, and investing resources in productive activities rather than wasting them on alcoholism or womanizing.

During the Mass, which also marked the tenth anniversary of the parish and the opening of the Grotto of Mother Mary, Bishop Kibira encouraged married couples to practice reconciliation and forgiveness. He told women to maintain approachable and understanding communication to foster harmony in the home.

The parish community also addressed local needs during the celebrations. Stephen Mawa, the Parish Head of Laity, noted that the community requires reliable transport for clergy and a new parish church.

Bishop Henry Juma Odonya consecrated St. Emmanuel Catholic Church in Mnus, located within Kabichbich Parish, on Sunday, October 25, 2026. During the liturgical rite, the bishop sprinkled the building with holy water, anointed the walls and altar with sacred oil, and burned incense.

The parish priest of Kabichbich, Father Albert Oduogo, attended the ceremony with assistant priests Father Vincent Onyango and Father Anthony. Members of religious orders were also present. Following the consecration, the local faithful, led by the deanery chairperson, requested the bishop's permission to build a priests' residence at the Chepkono Center to prepare for the establishment of a new parish in that area.