My name is Br. Charles Irumba. I am 26 years old. I am from Nyaburara village in western Uganda. My home village is located in the foothills of Mount Rwenzori which is one of the biggest mountains in East Africa.

I was born into a Catholic peasant family, and my parents always struggled to raise money for my school tuition by planting cassava, Irish potatoes, and bananas. My dad, Rwabulaya Severino Bukombi, sadly died when I was 16 years old. After his death, my family experienced a financial crisis. I was supposed to join the Advanced level of education (form 5-6), but this became impossible, and I had to go a full year without studying. Through digging, my Mum, Kyakimwa Magdalene and I managed to raise some money and I was able to go back to school. I completed my Form six studies which enabled me to join the Capuchin Franciscan order with the aim of becoming a priest.

When I was a child, my dad used to attend priestly ordinations with me at my home parish. This made me realize I had a vocation. The first day I witnessed ordination, I enjoyed the time of the litany. I felt like all the saints had come down to intercede for the ordinands. After the ordination, I told my dad that I would like to become a priest when I grew up. Both my dad and mum were supportive of me and encouraged me to lead prayers at home. I also I joined our local Catholic church choir and found a talent for drumming which I have maintained up to now.

All these experiences made me desire to become Capuchin Franciscan priest. I came to know the Capuchin Order through the vocations director who came to visit our secondary school. He told us about the Franciscan life and I felt the interest to join the Capuchins in Uganda. I also chose the Capuchins because I had read about St. Padre Pio and I felt drawn to his spirituality. It made me wish to join the congregation he belonged to. I am still devoted to St Padre Pio.

My interests and talents include singing, music and working out! I normally sing in my free time because I enjoy it and I even train church music choirs including our seminary choir. I have also begun composing and writing church music, and I enjoy playing the organ or piano in my free time. To remain physically fit, I also use our indoor gym at the seminary frequently and this has helped me to avoid falling sick regularly since it boosts my immunity.

Currently, I am in my third year of philosophy at Tangaza Catholic University in Nairobi. I am being supported by the Capuchins in Uganda. I humbly ask for your assistance because I will be starting my Theological studies in Uganda next year. I pray that I may be assisted such that I may be able to fulfill my dream of becoming a Catholic priest.