History

St. Paul’s National Major Seminary, Kinyamasika is the youngest of the four national major seminaries in Uganda. Among these we have; Alokolum and Katigondo Philosophical National Major Seminaries meant to teach philosophy whereas Kinyamasika and Ggaba are theological seminaries meant to teach theology. This is the second and last stage of priestly formation and training. All the four national major seminaries are National Catholic Institutions of higher learning registered under the Uganda Episcopal Conference. All dioceses in Uganda can send in their candidates for the final four years of priestly training and formation.

Kinyamasika National Major Seminary was opened in August 1992 with Fr. Peter Isingoma from Hoima Diocese as the first Rector. Other Staff Members included: Fr. Vincent Kanyonza (Kabale Diocese), Fr. Jacinto Ogwal (Lira Diocese), Fr. Aquirinus Francis Kibira (Fort Portal Diocese) and Fr. John Baptist Bashobora (Mbarara Archdiocese). It started in the old buildings which formerly belonged to a Teacher Training College. The college was officially known as St. Scholastica Girls’ Teacher Training College. It was founded by the White Sisters in 1939. The old buildings needed reconstruction and renovation. The situation was worsened by a devastating earthquake in February 1994, which destroyed some of the improvements that had been made. Nevertheless, there has been a steady growth in making new constructions thus giving our seminary a face-life upon now.

At its beginnings, Kinyamasika started with 48 seminarians. During the academic year 2015/2016 the number of seminarians had increased to 171 seminarians and in the 2016/2017 academic year the number of seminarians is 189.  So the number of seminarians is increasing annually. 

FOUNDING ST. PAUL’S NATIONAL SEMINARY-KINYAMASIKA

St. Paul’s National Seminary-Kinyamasika is currently the youngest of the four national major seminaries in Uganda. The Seminary was opened/founded by the Uganda Episcopal Conference in August 1992. It is a theologicum and a national seminary. This Seminary admits young men from all dioceses of Uganda after they have successfully completed their philosophical studies. It trains them in their final four years of priestly formation before ordination to the priesthood. The seminary follows a four-year programme in theological, biblical, pastoral and church history studies.

St. Paul’s National Seminary was opened in August 1992 and it started in old buildings inherited from an old teachers’ training college (St. Scholastica T.T.C). Following an agreement/memorandum of understanding which the Uganda Episcopal Conference (U.E.C) entered into with the Government of Uganda, St. Scholastica T.T.C which had formerly been built by the White Sisters in 1939 but was taken over by the Uganda government in the wake of independence in 1962, the Uganda Episcopal Conference was granted permission to repossess the premises of St. Scholatica T.T.C and so the seminary started in old buildings. Some of the buildings needed reconstruction and renovation. However, most buildings needed to be demolished so as to construct new ones altogether. The situation was worsened by a devastating earthquake in February, 1994, which destroyed some of the improvements that had been made. Thanks to the then rector-Fr. Aquirinus Kibira, who changed the premises by constructing magnificent and beautiful buildings including: the administration block this includes offices, lecture rooms, and very spacious conference hall. In addition, he also constructed new and beautiful seminarians’ residences, a stunning new Chapel in and an astounding seminary Library.

 There was also a necessity to provide sports facilities. The seminary therefore constructed a new football field, a new basketball court and new lawn tennis courts. Slowly and steadily the seminary is being given a new face lift especially with the preparation for the celebration of the forthcoming silver Jubilee whereby the roads in the seminary have been tarmacked and the seminary staff houses yet to be renovated

PIONEER TEACHING STAFF OF KINYAMASIKA SEMINARY

The seminary was opened in August 1992, with the following staff members:

1. Fr. Peter Isingoma-Rector

2. Fr. Jacinto Ogwal-Vice Rector

3. Fr. Aquirinus Kibira-Dean of Studies

4. Fr. John Baptist Bashobora- General Spiritual Director

5. Fr. Vincent Kanyonza- Lecturer