Catholicism in Uganda

This page is a dedicated collection of resources relating to Professor Janet Smith’s outreach in support of the education and formation of Ugandan Seminarians. We have made available recorded video presentations, corresponding PowerPoint Presentations, Professor Smith’s published articles, and more.

If you would like to discover more about how you can support these seminarians, please find more information here.

If you have any further questions, or would like to support this effort in other ways, please visit our Contact page to reach us directly. We will respond as time allows.

Click Here to Access the PowerPoint Presentation for Part I
Part 1 of a 4-Part series of talks given to Ugandan seminarians on the gift of sexuality. Part 1 covers general Church teaching regarding sexuality, and teaching regarding homosexuality in particular, as laid out by Scripture, Natural Law, and the Catechism.
Click Here to Access the PowerPoint Presentation for Part II
Part 2a of a 4-Part Series of talks given to Ugandan Seminarians on the gift of sexuality. Part 2a covers Western cultural challenges, as well as the strengths and challenges of African cultures pertaining to sexuality.
Part 2b of a 4-Part Series given by Professor Smith regarding the gift of sexuality as well as Church teaching on homosexuality. Part 2b primarily focuses on pertinent real-life stories.
Click Here to Access the PowerPoint Presentation for Part III
Part 3 of the 4-Part Series on the gift of sexuality by Professor Smith. Part 3 focuses primarily on the typical patterns of real-life experiences of homosexuality, the compassionate response to homosexuality, and Catholic organizations concerned with ministry to people who experience same-sex attraction.
Click Here to Access the PowerPoint Presentation for Part IV
Part 4 of this series covers general challenges and concerns in effectively ministering to those with same-sex attraction, as well as recommendations for homilies, outreach, and new initiatives.

Professor Smith’s Published Articles on the Uganda Experience:

Addressing Homosexuality in Uganda (Pt. 1)
Addressing Homosexuality in Uganda (Pt. 2)
Addressing Homosexuality in Uganda (Pt. 3)
Catholicism in Uganda
Vignettes of Uganda

ITINERARY FOR PROF. JANET SMITH IN UGANDA

(16TH FEB 2024 TO 5TH MARCH 2024)

No.Date (2024)ActivityPlace
15thArrive at AirportEntebbe Airport
116th Feb.ArrivalSt. Augustine Institute
319th Feb.Seminar/WorkshopSt. Mary’s Ggaba
420th Feb.Seminar/WorkshopSt. Mbaaga Seminary
521st Feb.Travel to Alokulum
622nd Feb.Seminar/WorkshopAlokulum Seminary, Gulu
723rd Feb.Return to Kampala
926th Feb.Travel to Masaka and visits (heavily Catholic area)Fr. Alex Mugalaasi
1027th Feb.Seminar/WorkshopKatigondo SeminaryRector
1128th FebTravel to KaseseBishop’s houseBishop F. A Kibira
1229th FebTravel to Fort PortalKinyamasika SeminaryRector
131st MarchReturn to KampalaSt Augustine SeminaryFr. Alex Mugalaasi
155th MarchReturn to U.S.AEntebbe AirportFr. Alex Mugalaasi

FAQ- This section is largely for Ugandan seminarians; it will be moderated.  Some of the questions are those that were asked on the trip itself.

Q 1: Given what you say about the origins of same-sex attractions, do you think it would be wise for those who minister to such persons, to utilize deliverance prayers?

A: Yes, I certainly do: it would be best if a priest can assess and counsel the person.  All sexual sin can serve as an entry point for the demonic into a person’s system, and even more so, for perverse or unnatural sin. This is true even for persons who have not consented to the sin but are victims of abuse.  For much sexual sin, the “deliverance” powers of the absolution provided in confession is sufficient but sometimes more specific prayers are necessary.

Q 2: Why should predator homosexuals be forgiven? Isn’t their sin an abomination? Didn’t Jesus act with righteous indignation against terrible sinners?

A: Jesus made it clear that all sins (except that against the Holy Spirit) can be forgiven.