St. Thomas Aquinas National Major Seminary is located at Katigondo, Masaka Diocese, Uganda. It is a philosophicum that aims at the formation of future diocesan clergy who undertake here the first steps of their higher ecclesiastical studies. The Uganda Episcopal Conference has full authority and responsibility over the seminary without prejudice to the supreme authority of the Holy See.

St. Thomas Aquinas National Major Seminary was founded in 1911 by the Missionaries of Africa, commonly known as the White Fathers, to serve as the first house of formation for African clergy. A total of 5006 students have gone through this seminary. Out of this number more 2000 have been ordained priests; and of these 32 have been elevated to the episcopal rank, and of this number 3 have been created cardinals. The Katigondo alumni who did not make it to the priesthood have served, and still serve, God in the other walks of life.

Currently, St. Thomas Aquinas National Major Seminary has a population of 16 full-time priests, 5 religious sisters (nuns), 43 group employees (23 males and 21 females), and 244 seminarians belonging to the 19 Catholic Dioceses of Uganda. The number of seminarians is expected to rise to 265 at the beginning of the Formation Year 2024/2025 in September.

From the spiritual point of view, a daily celebration of the Eucharist stands at the centre of  Katigondo life. Besides the eucharistic celebration, lauds and vespers figure heavily on the daily timetable. Seminarians are also encouraged to join various devotions, lay apostolate movements and associations approved by the Holy See. Pastorally, the seminarians are given opportunities to engage in pastoral activities outside the seminary, particularly in the neighbouring primary and secondary schools.

Academically, different philosophical courses are taught to the seminarians over the three years of formation at Katigondo. Seminarians are taught in such a way as to help them acquire a solid and coherent understanding of man, of the world and of God. Research and private reading within the seminary library are highly encouraged at Katigondo.

Besides the spiritual, pastoral and academic formation; seminarians at Katigondo are offered human formation. Such formation is aimed at helping them develop human qualities befitting a future minister in the Catholic Church. Seminarians are also encouraged to embrace the spirit of hard work and self-reliance.

St. Thomas Aquinas National Seminary – Katigondo is rather an old institution
(113 years). Over the years some of her physical structures have become weak while others have turned out to be small in  relation to the surging numbers of entrants. The sewage system across the seminary campus has also greatly weakened with the passage of time. There is an urgent need to renovate most of the seminary’s physical structures; and to put up new ones. Unfortunately, we do not have sufficient funds to carry out this necessary work.

For contributions please use only the information below;

1.Make Payment Directly to our Account

KATIGONDO SEMINARY,
Centenary Bank Masaka,
A/c No: 3200700459

We, therefore, kindly request for your support so as to carry out the necessary renovations of the seminary’s physical structures.

Yours gratefully, 

Fr. David Ssenkaayi

RECTOR