Forming Faithful Leaders for the Church and the World
Holy Family Bukalasa Minor Seminary
For more than a century, Holy Family Bukalasa Minor Seminary in Uganda has formed young men in faith, intellect, leadership, and service. Founded in 1893, the seminary is the oldest Catholic seminary south of the Sahara and continues to shape priests, educators, and community leaders who serve throughout East Africa.
Today, the seminary welcomes hundreds of seminarians and students each year, many from rural or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. While the mission remains strong, the school faces growing challenges as enrollment increases and educational needs evolve.
Through the generosity of faithful partners, several transformative projects are underway to strengthen the formation of these young leaders. Each initiative supports the seminary’s commitment to educating the whole person—mind, heart, creativity, and faith.
Below are key opportunities where your support can make a lasting difference.
Bukalasa Center for Performing Arts & Learning
Bringing Faith, Creativity, and Education Together
The Bukalasa Center for Performing Arts & Learning will be a visionary new facility designed to unite faith, culture, and education through the arts.
The seminary currently serves hundreds of students, yet it lacks a dedicated space for large performances, artistic development, and collaborative learning. The new center will provide a modern environment where students can develop their talents and grow in confidence while honoring the beauty of God through music, theatre, and creative expression.
This 40,000+ square-foot facility will include:
– A 900-seat Great Hall for concerts, theatrical performances, assemblies, and community gatherings
– A Black Box Theatre for student productions and smaller performances
– Music classrooms and studios for instruction in piano, voice, guitar, and percussion
– Digital media and recording labs for music production and educational broadcasting
– Creative learning spaces and rehearsal rooms
– Sustainable design features such as solar power and rainwater harvesting
The center will serve not only seminarians but also the wider community of the Masaka Diocese, creating a regional hub where faith, culture, and artistic excellence come together.
When complete, the center will:
– Provide modern arts education for hundreds of students each year
– Host concerts, cultural programs, and community events
– Encourage creativity as a path to leadership and service
– Create a gathering place for the Church and the surrounding community
More than a building, the Center will be a beacon of hope, creativity, and faith-filled formation for generations to come.
Computer Lab & Digital Learning Initiative
Bridging the Digital Divide
In today’s world, access to technology is essential for education, research, and communication. Yet many students at Bukalasa Seminary have limited opportunities to develop digital skills.
To address this need, the seminary is establishing a modern computer laboratory that will allow students and faculty to engage fully in the digital age.
This initiative will provide:
– 50 computers for student and faculty use
– Network infrastructure and educational software
– Digital literacy training for students and teachers
– Access to theological research databases and academic resources
The computer lab will support the seminary’s mission of forming well-rounded leaders by integrating technology into learning and pastoral formation.
This project will:
– Provide digital training for all students and faculty
– Improve access to theological research and global resources
– Strengthen communication with Catholic institutions worldwide
– Prepare seminarians to evangelize effectively in a digital age
By equipping students with these tools, Bukalasa Seminary will continue to lead in Catholic education throughout East Africa.
Student Food & Scholarship Program
Ensuring Every Student Can Learn and Thrive
Many students at Bukalasa Minor Seminary come from families with very limited financial means. For these young men, education and formation are only possible through the generosity of others.
The Food and Scholarship Program ensures that students can focus on their studies and spiritual formation without the burden of hunger or financial hardship.
Support for this program provides:
– Daily nutritious meals for seminarians and students
– Scholarships that cover tuition, books, and educational materials
– Assistance for students from poor or rural families
– Stability and care that allow students to thrive academically and spiritually
Through this program:
– Students receive the nourishment needed for healthy development
– Families struggling with poverty can still give their sons the gift of education
– Future priests and leaders can focus on formation rather than survival
For many students, this support is the difference between abandoning their studies and fulfilling their vocation.
A Partnership of Faith and Generosity
Each of these projects strengthens the seminary’s mission to form young leaders who will serve the Church and society with wisdom, compassion, and courage.
From creative arts education to technological access and basic student support, these initiatives help build a learning environment where students can grow spiritually, intellectually, and personally.
Your generosity becomes part of a story much larger than any one project:
The formation of future priests, educators, and leaders who will serve communities across Africa for decades to come.