Church of Uganda · Namirembe Diocese
A living family, bound by grace and called to shine as the light of Christ in Bulenga and beyond.
Who We Are
St. Matthew Bbira Besaniya is a vibrant and welcoming community hub that serves as a focal point for Christians seeking spiritual growth, community engagement, and the spreading of the Gospel. Under the Anglican Diocese of Namirembe, we are a family of faith rooted in Bulenga and reaching out to the wider community.
Matayo Omutukuvu
Our parish is named in honour of St. Matthew — Matayo Omutukuvu — the son of Alphaeus and a tax collector in Galilee. When Jesus called him, "Follow me," Matthew rose and followed, becoming an apostle and the writer of one of the earliest accounts of the Gospel. His life reminds us that the Lord welcomes and transforms all who answer His call.
“Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
— Matthew 9:9
Why We Exist
A Christ-centred church equipped for transforming mission among people.
St. Matthew Bbira Church is a vibrant and welcoming community hub that serves as a focal point for Christians seeking spiritual growth, community engagement, and spreading the gospel.
What We Stand For
Pursuing holiness and reverence for God in all of life.
Upholding marriage, parenting and family life on the foundation of God's Word.
One body, many members — bound together in love and the fellowship of the Spirit.
Our Guiding Word
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jeremiah 6:16 · Namirembe Diocese Theme 2026
Our Story Through Time
From the settling of the land to a brick church raised by faithful hands — the journey of St. Matthew Bbira Besaniya.
The story of the land reaches back through Buganda — from Ssekabaka Kintu and Omulangira Kimera to Mugema Katumba, who settled at Wambaale around 1800, in the area that would become Bbira.
The first church building at Bbira is established as the Gospel takes root in the community under the Church of Uganda.
The parish school (Essomero) grows in stature, attaining Central School status and serving the education of the whole community.
A permanent brick church building is completed through the labour of a devoted parishioner, Isirayiri — a lasting home for worship.
During the land allocations to Church of Uganda missions, the parish receives 52 acres near Namayumba, with 7 acres each granted to the satellite parishes of Buloba and Ssentema.
Under the Diocese of Namirembe, St. Matthew Bbira Besaniya continues as a vibrant, welcoming family — worshipping, discipling and serving in Bulenga and beyond.
Life at St. Matthew Bbira
Shepherds of the Flock
Parish Priest
Rev. Ssalongo James Lubega shepherds St. Matthew Bbira Besaniya Parish. "The Church is not merely a building of bricks and stone," he reminds the congregation, "but a living family — bound by grace, strengthened by prayer, and called to shine as the light of Christ in our community."
Serving the Parish
Our parish council serves the day-to-day life of the church. Names and photos are updated by the parish office.
Parish Executive
Parish Executive
Parish Executive
Parish Executive
Parish Executive
Parish Executive
Our Foundation
The Bible — Old and New Testaments — is the inspired Word of God, supreme authority in all matters of faith and life.
One God, eternally existing in three Persons — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — as confessed in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds.
Salvation is the gracious gift of God, received by faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the only Saviour and Lord.
Baptism and Holy Communion are celebrated as visible signs of God's grace at work within His Church.
A parish of the Church of Uganda in Namirembe Diocese, part of the global Anglican Communion — sent to make disciples of all nations.
