Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Joseph Mukiibi, a young doctor from Nalweyo, Uganda, credits missionaries from Blessed Trinity Parish in Ocala for changing the course of his life. The missionaries first visited his town 21 years ago when he was a child. He remembers their joyful presence and the excitement they brought to the community.

Over time, the missionaries helped build churches and schools in Nalweyo. Mukiibi attended these institutions and initially considered becoming an engineer before deciding to pursue medicine. However, after his father fell ill with cancer and family finances dwindled, Mukiibi faced uncertainty about continuing his studies.

He turned to Sister Juliet Ateenyi of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix for support. In 2019, she introduced him to Dr. Richard Weeder, a Quaker physician visiting on a medical mission with Father Patrick Sheedy’s encouragement. After hearing about Mukiibi’s situation, Weeder offered immediate help with tuition costs.

Mukiibi recalled their meeting: “I remember the pews we sat in.” He described how both Dr. Weeder and Theresa Gross, a registered nurse accompanying Weeder, pledged to pay for his medical education. “Incredible souls who breathed hope into me when I had almost none left,” he said.

He began studying at King Caesar University in Kampala that same year. Inspired by an anatomy professor recovering from heart surgery, Mukiibi developed an interest in cardiothoracic surgery.

As Dr. Weeder became ill himself, he encouraged Mukiibi not to worry about him but to continue pursuing his goals. With additional support from Dr. Lydia Wallace and funds established by Deacon Jim Schwartz—another Blessed Trinity missionary—Mukiibi was able to finish medical school despite financial difficulties.

“Deacon Jim loved children. He loved people,” said Mukiibi of Schwartz’s impact on him as both a mentor and friend.

Mukiibi graduated in May 2025 and is now serving as an intern in eastern Uganda while preparing for residency training in cardiothoracic medicine next year. He hopes eventually to return home and serve his community.

Dr. Weeder explained what motivated him: “I believe the same thing that drove me to become a surgeon myself — the desire to help other people and to help them get well...the primary aim is to help people.”

Father Sheedy emphasized that relationship-building is central to their mission work: “We’re putting up dozens of buildings, but buildings are useless unless you care for whatever goes within them.” Nearly 1,000 sponsors have assisted more than 150 students through school or college so far; some have become doctors themselves.

“It’s big,” Father Sheedy said regarding ongoing efforts in Uganda.“They know education is the way out of poverty for them...It’s just a win-win-win for everybody.”

Reflecting on his journey, Mukiibi referenced scripture: “He knew you before you were made in your womb.” He expressed gratitude toward those who supported him: “There is no way my story would be the same without you as a major part of it.”

The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968 and includes 79 parishes across several Florida counties under Bishop James Noonan's leadership.