A family of God’s people in the heart of Western Uganda
A prosperous and an integrally developed Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal as a family of God’s people.
To foster active participation of all the people of Fort Portal Diocese in fulfilling Christ’s will of evangelization—preaching, teaching, sanctifying, leading and healing—through economic empowerment.
The Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal is situated in Western Uganda with its headquarters on Virika Hill, two kilometers from the City Centre of Fort Portal. Our borders reach the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west and follow the majestic Rwenzori Mountains.
The area is a food basket for the country, blessed with fertile soils and reliable rainfall that supports tea, coffee, and diverse agriculture. Our land is home to breathtaking crater lakes, national parks, and a rich cultural heritage of hospitality.
Created by Pope John XXIII on April 19th, 1961, the Diocese is a fruit of the missionary work of the White Fathers. We hold a special place in the history of the Uganda Martyrs; Katoosa Parish is the home of Saint Adolf Ludigo Tibeyalirwa, who was born here and martyred at Namugongo in 1886.
Every year on January 27th, thousands of pilgrims travel to our famous Uganda Martyrs Shrine at Katoosa to honor his legacy.
Born on October 23, 1958, at Ibonde, Virika Parish, the Right Reverend Robert K. Muhiirwa was ordained a priest in 1985. He was appointed and installed as the Bishop of Fort Portal in 2003.
He continues to lead the diocese with a focus on Christ’s mission, ensuring that all people may have life in its fullness.