Ndeeba,Kampala– The Nyarushanje Community in Kampala on Sunday held a surprise thanksgiving Holy Mass and dinner in honour of Flavian Zeija, following his recent appointment as Chief Justice of Uganda.
The thanksgiving, organised by members of the Nyarushanje Community, took place at Pope Paul VI Memorial Hotel and was intended as a moment of gratitude to God for what the community described as a remarkable journey defined by discipline, integrity, and service.
Community members described the Chief Justice’s elevation as a powerful reminder that greatness can arise from humble beginnings.
“You have risen from our humble roots, embodying the spirit and values of Nyarushanje. Your achievement inspires our community and the nation, proving that dedication and faith can take one to the highest levels of service,” a message shared during the function read.
The event was attended by Members of Parliament from Rukungiri District, community leaders, friends, and family members. Nyarushanje, located in Rukungiri District, is the home parish of the Chief Justice and falls under Kabale Diocese.
The Holy Mass was presided over by Callist Rubaramira, who called upon the faithful to pray for the Chief Justice as he assumes the demanding responsibility of leading the Judiciary. He thanked the organisers for arranging the thanksgiving and noted that such milestones are worthy of celebration and gratitude to God.
During the service, the community entrusted the work of the courts to Almighty God, praying for courage, wisdom, humility, and discernment for all who serve in the administration of justice.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Zeija expressed gratitude to the bishop for praying with the community and thanked members of the Nyarushanje Community for the surprise celebration. Reflecting on the theme, “But by the Grace of God, I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10), he emphasised that the attainment of high office is ultimately by God’s grace.
He noted that leadership at all levels is a divine calling and that positions of authority are expressions of God’s anointing. The Chief Justice also observed that those in high office often face misinformation and misrepresentation, particularly on social media, and urged focus, integrity, and resilience in the face of such challenges.
Former Chancellor of Makerere University and Kabale University, Mondo Kagonyera, congratulated the Chief Justice and thanked the President for appointing him. He reflected on the weighty responsibility of leading the Judiciary, noting that the role demands courage and ethical leadership, and expressed confidence in the Chief Justice’s integrity.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Charles Lwanga Zaribwije, the Chief Justice’s brother, thanked God and their late parents for raising them in a prayerful and disciplined home. He attributed the Chief Justice’s achievement to hard work, perseverance, and strong spiritual grounding, while cautioning against misleading narratives circulating on social media.
The Chairperson of the Nyarushanje Community in Kampala, Mr. Narcis Tumushabe Rwangoga, described the occasion as a moment of collective pride and thanksgiving. He recalled growing up and praying together with the Chief Justice, highlighting his long-standing qualities of discipline, focus, humility, and effective time management.
In the same spirit of celebration, it was also noted that on Sunday, 8 February 2026, Friends Forever — a group to which the Chief Justice belongs — organised another surprise thanksgiving Holy Mass and dinner at Emperor Heights in Kisubi, Entebbe, to pray for and commit him to God as he takes up his new responsibilities.
