Our History
The story of Christ the King Priory is one of humble beginnings, divine providence, and remarkable growth.
“From small beginnings, God has done great things.”
he foundation of Christ the King Priory traces back to 1981, when Fr. John Neudegger OSB came to Tororo to provide spiritual guidance to a community of Benedictine Sisters. Inspired by the local desire for monastic life, the monastery was officially established on November 25, 1984.
1981 - Fr. John Neudegger OSB arrives in Tororo from the Nairobi monastery.
1984 - The monastery is officially established.
1988 - The community opens the Benedictine Eye Hospital
1993 - The foundation is elevated to the status of a Simple Priory
2000s – 2010s : Steady growth in both monastic vocations and apostolic works.
2020 - Christ the King Priory is raised to the status of a Conventual Priory
2020 – Present:
Founder
- Name: Fr. John Neudegger OSB
- Position: Missionary Priest
Fr. John Neudegger OSB is the founder of Christ the King Priory (Tororo Benedictine Monastery) in Uganda.
Background and Role
Fr. John Neudegger is a German Missionary Benedictine monk belonging to the Congregation of Missionary Benedictines of Saint Ottilien. He is widely regarded as the pioneer who planted Benedictine monastic life in eastern Uganda.
Key Contributions in Tororo
- 1981: Arrived in Tororo at the request of the local Benedictine Sisters who needed spiritual direction during a difficult period in Uganda’s history (post-civil war era). He was originally based at the Nairobi dependency of Peramiho Abbey before moving to Uganda.
- 1981–1984: While primarily serving the Benedictine Sisters, he began recruiting young Ugandan men interested in monastic life. He purchased land on the outskirts of Tororo and constructed simple brick buildings to start a small monastic foundation.
- November 25, 1984: Officially founded Christ the King Priory as a pre-foundation of the Ottilien Congregation.
- 1988: Founded the Benedictine Eye Hospital, which started as a small clinic/dispensary and has since grown into a major eye care facility serving thousands in eastern Uganda.
He served as the first Superior of the young community. Together with pioneers like Fr. Aelred Cousins (who joined in 1983 as novice master), he laid the spiritual, physical, and apostolic foundations of the monastery.
Vision and Legacy
Fr. Neudegger envisioned an authentically African Benedictine monastery — built with local resources and rooted in the local culture, while faithfully living the Rule of St. Benedict. He emphasized:
- Prayer and community life (Ora et Labora)
- Practical service to the poor (especially through healthcare and skills training)
- Formation of indigenous Ugandan monks
His leadership helped the community survive early challenges, including political instability and violence in Uganda. The monastery he founded has grown from a handful of aspirants to a thriving Conventual Priory with 24 professed monks today.
Personal Note
Fr. John Neudegger is remembered as a dedicated missionary with a deep love for Africa. He had a practical, pioneering spirit — involved not only in spiritual formation but also in the physical construction and development of the monastery and its ministries.
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