This article, written by Victor Simiyu, MHM, shares the special story of how the Mill Hill Missionaries began their new mission in Nabilatuk Parish, located in the Moroto Diocese of Uganda. On May 3, 2025, Victor and fellow missionary Leonard Mufua, MHM, traveled to this new area to begin their work, becoming the first Mill Hill Missionaries to serve in this part of Uganda.
A new Pope, A new Mission and new shepherds.
As the universal Church went into prayer for the conclave that was to start meeting on 7th for the election of the new Pope, Saturday, 3rd May 2025, marked a significant day in the history of the Mill Hill Missionaries and for the two of us, Leonard Mufua, MHM, and myself, Victor Simiyu, MHM. We left Naoi Parish in Moroto Diocese, Uganda, where we were being hosted, to Nabilatuk Parish, a new Mission area for the Mill Hill Missionaries.
While the Mill Hill Missionaries had previously evangelised the Upper Nile Vicariate (as it was then known), extending to the Soroti and Kotido Dioceses and even parts of the Western and Rift Valley regions of Kenya, this was the first time our society had been assigned to serve in Moroto Diocese.
Accompanied by the Pastoral Coordinator and the Finance Secretary, we journeyed to our new mission station: St. Theresa Nabilatuk Parish. This parish has a deep missionary legacy, first established by the Comboni Missionaries, later handed to the Apostles of Jesus, and subsequently managed by diocesan clergy. Now, through the kind invitation of the Bishop, the Mill Hill Missionaries have become the new shepherds of this community.
Nabilatuk Parish is located in Nabilatuk District, which was carved out of Nakapiripirit District in the southern part of the Karamoja Sub-region. It shares borders with Moroto District to the north, Nakapiripirit to the south and east, and Napak and Katakwi Districts to the west. The district became operational in 2018.
According to government statistics, Nabilatuk District covers an area of approximately 3,117 square kilometres, with a projected population of 111,700 (54,300 males and 57,400 females). The local community is predominantly agro-pastoralist and speaks Ngakarimojong, specifically the Pian dialect.
Upon our arrival on 3rd May 2025, we were warmly welcomed by the pastoral team, Fr. Clement Othim, the outgoing parish priest, and Fr. Henry Drajeru, his assistant, alongside several members of the Parish Pastoral Council. After the reception, we had a brief introduction followed by the formal handover process, facilitated by the Pastoral Coordinator and Finance Secretary, with Fr. Hillary Awiti, MHM, as a witness.
The following day, Sunday 4th May 2025, Bishop Damiano presided over the Eucharistic celebration at the parish church. During the Mass, he formally introduced us and installed the new parish priest. The event was witnessed by Fr. Mark Owuor, the Councillor of the East Africa Region, and Fr. Hillary Awiti, the Regional Representative. It was a moment of mixed emotions, but overall filled with joy. A large number of Christians attended, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing priests who had served the parish for over a decade. They also welcomed us warmly and pledged their support in building a synodal community committed to sharing the Gospel of Christ. The Bishop deeply appreciated the Mill Hill Missionaries for accepting his invitation to serve in the diocese.
This first week in the parish has been a flurry of activities. We have been visiting various mission centres, familiarising ourselves with the area, meeting local Christians, and learning about the parish boundaries. Thanks to the guidance of Fr. Drajeru, this process has gone smoothly.
The parish is divided into two zones: the Nabilatuk Zone and the Lolachat Zone. The Bishop, responding to requests from the faithful, hopes that Lolachat may eventually be elevated to the status of a parish. There are currently ten churches spread across both zones. Unfortunately, many of these chapels have been reduced to ruins due to past insecurity and strong winds. In most cases, classrooms within schools now serve as temporary places of worship.
Despite these challenges, Nabilatuk remains rich in pastoral activity and is home to vibrant Christian communities. As Pope Francis reminds us, “hope does not disappoint.” With that same spirit, we move forward, hopeful and committed, to minister and witness to the Gospel. We look forward to a fruitful and meaningful ministry in this blessed mission field. As the new ministers of this new Mill Hill Mission, with a new Pope, we realise, as the new Pope Leo XIV notes in his first speech, that “We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs His light. Humanity needs Him like a bridge to reach God and His love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace.”
May St. Joseph, our patron Saint, Mary the model and Mother of Missionaries and St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, our Patron of the parish, intercede for us all as we dedicate ourselves to love and serve.
Victor Simiyu, MHM
