On the 2nd of August 2009, the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels of Portiuncula, during a Eucharist celebration that was held in front of the Novitiate’s chapel at Kakoba in Mbarara, Uganda, 8 novices made their First Profession into the hands of the Minister Provincial, Fr. Sebastian Unsner. They were: Carilus Onyango Kowanga (Kenya), Jean Claude Bakundukize (Burundi), Serge Bigirimana (Burundi), Peter  Mburu Mwangi (Kenya), George Nintunze (Burundi), Samuel Njuguna (Kenya), Raphael Dunga (Malawi) and Conrad Mutayoba (Tanzania). The joyful and colorful celebration was attended by a large number of Christians, especially those living near the Novitiate.

There were also some Religious Men and Women who graced the occasion with their presence. After the Mass, a lunch was served to all who attended the profession. It was possible thanks to the Christians of Kakoba who were very generous in donating different items. The celebration ended with dances and songs and several speeches. Everybody wished the 8 newly professed friars a lot of perseverance in their Franciscan vocation. The friars left next day for a short holiday with their families and after that they will go to Lusaka, Zambia, where on the 28th of August they will begin their philosophical studies at St. Bonaventure College.

Two days earlier, on the 31st of July, 2009 7 postulants were received to the Novitiate by the Minister Provincial, Fr. Sebastian Unsner, and they were given the habit of the Friars Minor by the Novice Master, Fr. Augustus Byaruhanga. The simple ceremony took place in the Novitiate’s chapel during the Evening Prayer. Those who entered the Novitiate were: Jean Claude Hakizuwera (Zimbabwe), Alexis Niyongabo (Burundi), Victor Nkundayezu (Rwanda), Stanley Muhekiwa (Malawi), Celestin Ntaganira (Rwanda), Desire Niyonkuru (Burundi) and Louis  Omondi Nyamrinda (Kenya). They have begun their one year novitiate program under the watchful eye of the Novice Master, Fr. Augustus Byaruhanga who will be helped by Br. Fidelis Mwesigye and Fr. Rufin Razovskyi. May the Lord bless them all and take good care of them!