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Magister ad est et vocat te
We Build Vocations and spiritual Life!
Welcome to Bukalasa Seminary! Discover our rich history, academic excellence, and spiritual growth. Students have a regimented life, which includes daily Mass and prayer, academics and recreation.
Who we are
Message from the Rector
Welcome to Bukalasa Seminary, a beacon of education and faith since 1893. Our institution stands as a testament to the vision of Bishop Hirth, who established this seminary in the heart of Kalungu District. Here, we mold not only priests but also responsible citizens who contribute to society.
The present community is composed of 21 permanent staff members, 37 part-time staff members, 15 supportive staff, 40 casual laborers and 523 Seminarians. Bukalasa Minor Seminary is the oldest seminary in Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa.
Rev. Bishop Serveus Jjumba, Ph.D
Bishop Hirth who was by then the Vicar of Nyanza Vicariate started the Minor Seminary at Rubaga in June in 1891.
Vocation
Learners who join the seminary must have a calling and conviction to join the formation to priesthood because it invlolves a lot of sacrifice.
Academics
Rigorous Academic programs, Latin Choir and a wholistic education with public speaking sessions.
Prayer
We emphasize prayer to by promote ethical behavior, nurturing seminarians' spirits, and strengthening students' morals and values.
Outstanding Legacy
Bukalasa Minor Seminary is the oldest seminary in Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa. Our mission is to form integral individuals intellectually, grounded in human values and Christian virtues. We take pride in nurturing future priests and leaders who serve both locally and beyond Our team is working every day to build a better world & help ensure you get the best services.
Bishop Serveus Jjumba
Former Bursar/ Foarm Master
Bishop Adrian K. Ddungu
RIP
Bishop Henry Ssentongo
Former Rector
Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala
Old Boy
Bukalasa Seminary story through data
Our mission is to form integral individuals intellectually, grounded in human values and Christian virtues. We take pride in nurturing future priests and leaders who serve both locally and beyond. Every step of Bukalasa Seminary life journey, was designed to help seminarians to, grow in faith and discover new passions.
Seminarians
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Priests
0
Bishops
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Cardinal
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Annual Calendar
Every year the life at the Seminary is punctuated by various events and celebrations.
A Holistic Approach to Education
At Bukalala Seminary, we believe that education extends beyond textbooks and classrooms. Our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals is reflected in our diverse academic offerings. While we maintain a rigorous academic curriculum, we also emphasize spiritual growth, artistic expression, and cultural appreciation
PASTORAL WORK IN THE SEMINARY
- Daily mass on weekdays at 6.30 am
- Mass on Sundays and feast days at 9.00 am
- Mass on special feasts and occasions 11.00 am
- Mass with form masters every Monday after termly visit days at 6.30 am
- Mass with club members and special groups as arranged by the spiritual Director
- Holy Hour and monthly recollection every last Thursday and Fridays of the month respectively.
- Way of the cross every Friday during Lenten period.
- Confessions every Friday 8.30 pm
- Annual retreat for students every second term around July
Why Choose Bukalasa Seminary
Nature of School
Registration
The Seminary is registered as both an O and A level boy’s secondary school, purely private, which admits every year new students in senior one and senior five.
Patronage
The Seminary was dedicated to the Patronage of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and the Seminary day is celebrated on a Saturday around the Solemnity of St Joseph
Seminary vision
To mentor and produce Seminarians with the best leadership qualities for the Catholic church, our country Uganda and the whole World.
Seminary mission
We focus on the whole person and we endeavor to train junior Seminarians suitable to work in the Lord’s vineyard while emphasizing the gospel message.
Seminary core values
Faith in Jesus Christ,
Integrity in exercising duties
Love of God and one another
Registration Number
The Seminary registration was renewed in 2020 and its registration number is PSS/B/B2.
CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS
- Charismatic
- Debating club
- Drama
- Focolare
- Legionaries
- Music club
- Nkobazambogo
- Sacred Heart.
- Scouts
- St Jude.
- Xaverians
- Y.C.A
- Divine Mercy
- Padre Pio
- St Peter Apostle
- Uganda Martyrs
- Environmental club
- Ssekiriba kya Ttaka
Prefects body
The prefects occasionally sit together and later meet the key offices concerned for updating and guidance. (Rector, Vice Rector, Bursar, Fr in Charge of prefects affairs)
“Bukalasa seminary is not another Secondary school. The formation, training and academics put them on another level.”
— Mr. Kawalya Paul
Parent
FAQ
Frequently Ask Questions.
Every step of Bukalasa Seminary life journey, was designed to help seminarians to, grow in faith and discover new passions.
Bukalasa Seminary is the Diocesan Minor Seminary of Masaka Diocese. It was started by his Lordship Bishop Henry Sreicher in 1893 in order to train future Priests. The present community is composed of 21 permanent staff members, 37 part-time staff members, 15 supportive staff, 40 casual laborers and 523 Seminarians.
The history of the Catholic Church in Uganda indicate that, after the failure of the attempt to train Ugandan priests abroad, Bishop Hirth who was by then the Vicar of Nyanza Vicariate started the Minor Seminary at Rubaga in June in 1891. Unfortunately a war that broke out the following year between the Catholics and the Anglicans claimed the life of one of the staff members, and the survivors scattered and sought refuge in exile., and this led to the temporary closure of this Seminary. While in exile in Kiziba, Bishop Hirth decided to launch a new campaign of re-opening the Seminary but this time at Villa Maria in Buddu, where Bishop Henry Streicher was the Parish Priest. It was opened at the beginning of 1893. This marked the beginning of the minor seminary which is now at Bukalasa. Although the Seminary opened at the beginning of the year, the actual school program started on 29th June 1893.
The Seminary is situated about 37 kilometers from the equator towards the south, with an average attitude of 1150 kilometers above sea level. It is located at Bukalasa village opposite Katigondo village 11 kilometers from Masaka city on Nnyendo- Villa Maria- Ssembabule tarmac road. It is found in Kalungu District which boarders Masaka city in the South, Gomba District in the North , Bukomansimbi District in the West and Mpigi District in the East.
The Seminary sits on around 450 square kilometers of arable land which belongs to the Registered Trustees of Masaka Diocese. It enjoys a tropical climate modified by relief and nearness to Lake Victoria, with two main seasons of rainfall patterns and a dry spell between January to March as well as July to August.
Their number keeps on changing year after year following new appointments in the diocese. Currently there are 17 priests.
Following the completion of renovating the sisters’ convent, the Mother General appointed 4 Sisters to join Bukalasa community.
These also change year by year, depending on admissions and dismissals. Last year 2023 we admitted 489 seminarians while this year the number rose to 523 students distributed in 6 different years of study.
These students hail mainly from Masaka Diocese, plus other Dioceses like Kampala, Mbarara, Fort portal, Kaseese, Kasana-Luwero, Soroti, Gulu, Arua, as well the neighboring countries like Tanzania and Rwanda.
These include 1 Secretary, 1 accountant, 1 driver 4 watchmen, 3 farm attendants, 6 Kitchen staff, 2 Laudry attendants.
These students hail mainly from Masaka Diocese, plus other Dioceses like Kampala, Mbarara, Fort portal, Kaseese, Kasana-Luwero, Soroti, Gulu, Arua, as well the neighboring countries like Tanzania and Rwanda.
At present they are 37; they are the lay part- time teachers who fill the gaps unoccupied by the priests.
Are you ready to take the next step toward your future career?
Every year the Seminary admits students to senior one, who have completed Primary seven, and to senior five, students who have completed senior four.