St. Mary Assumpta Parish, Oleba

The Missionaries of Jesus the Divine Master founded the Parish, which provides parochial services as well as services at the two (2) Secondary Schools and five (5) Primary Schools. There are 23 Chapels under the Parish. The Missionaries provide Christian Education in these Schools and administer Sacraments in them routinely.

1. Historical Background

St. Mary Assumpta Catholic Parish, Oleba, began in 1949 as a chapel under St. Joseph Maracha Parish. In 1972, it was elevated to the status of a Eucharistic Centre, and later in 1985, it became a Sub-Parish. A major milestone was reached on Palm Sunday, 8th April 1990, when the parish was officially declared a parish by the Rt. Rev. Frederick Drandua, Bishop of Arua Diocese. At that time, Rev. Fr. Tonino Pasolini, MCCJ, who was then the Parish Priest of Maracha, served as the caretaker.

On 30th October 1994, Rev. Fr. Denis Iranya, MIDM, was appointed and installed as the first resident Parish Priest, assisted by Rev. Fr. Hillary Orwinya Kago, MIDM, as Curate. The parish is dedicated to Mary Assumpta, and its annual parish feast is celebrated on 15th August, marking the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. Geographically, the parish is located approximately twenty-four miles north of the Diocesan Headquarters and Arua City.

2. Size and Population

St. Mary Assumpta Catholic Parish, Oleba, covers an area of approximately 138 square kilometres. According to the 2023 census, the total population within the parish territory is 36,319 people. Of this number, 28,776 are Catholics, while 7,543 are non-Catholics. Among the non-Catholic population, 5,681 belong to the Church of Uganda, 224 are Muslims, and 1,638 belong to other religious affiliations.

3. Mission Stations

The parish is organized into seven zones and comprises twenty-three chapels or mission stations, supported by one hundred and forty-five Small Christian Communities (SCCs). These SCCs play a vital role in grassroots evangelization, faith sharing, and community building throughout the parish.

4. Catholic-Founded Schools within Oleba Parish

Within its pastoral jurisdiction, St. Mary Assumpta Catholic Parish oversees eight Catholic-founded schools. These include Oleba Primary School, Anyabea Primary School, Mbafe Primary School, Azipi Primary School, Kanasia Primary School, Nyarakua Primary School, Nyambira Primary School, and St. Mary Assumpta Nursery and Primary School, Oleba. These institutions contribute significantly to academic excellence, moral formation, and the promotion of Catholic values.

5. Pastoral and Spiritual Movements and Associations

The parish is enriched by a variety of pastoral and spiritual movements and associations that support evangelization and community life. These include Catholic Action, the Catholic Women Association, the Church Choir, Catholic Youth, Altar Servers, St. Kizito Association, the Catholic Teachers Association, the Christian Family Association, the Catechists Association, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and the Catholic Elders Association. Together, these groups foster active participation, spiritual growth, and service within the parish.

6. Current Appointed and Resident Priests

St. Mary Assumpta Catholic Parish, Oleba, is currently served by Rev. Fr. Edgar Mugizi, MIDM, who is the Parish Priest. He is assisted by Rev. Fr. Aloysius Erwa, MIDM, serving as Curate, and Rev. Fr. Dominic Acema, MIDM, who is responsible for chaplaincy services in schools.

7. Apostolate Proper to the Priests Serving at St. Mary Assumpta Oleba Catholic Parish

The priests serving at St. Mary Assumpta Oleba Catholic Parish are entrusted with a wide range of pastoral responsibilities. These include the celebration of the sacraments, provision of spiritual guidance and pastoral care to parishioners, preaching and teaching the Word of God, leading community outreach and social services, and fostering vocations and faith formation among the faithful.