Africa-Press – Uganda. Vice President Jessica Alupo has praised the Catholic Church’s efforts in uplifting communities, describing faith-based institutions as essential partners in Uganda’s development.
She made the remarks on Saturday at a high-profile fundraiser organised by the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Foundation (AMDEF) at Nyamitanga Cathedral, where more than Shs 500 million was raised to support church-led development projects.
Alupo, representing President Museveni, delivered a cash contribution of Shs50 million and lauded the Church’s enduring role in education, health, poverty eradication, and moral guidance.
“I want to appreciate the role of faith-based institutions in complementing government programs, especially in shaping the moral fabric of our youth and families,” she said.
“I therefore encourage you to continue standing firm and walking the journey so that you can continue sowing the seeds of AMDEF.”
The fundraiser attracted contributions from parishes and individual well-wishers, with the aim of building an endowment that supports the Archdiocese’s work among the poor and marginalised.
The Foundation has set an ambitious target of Shs 8.53 billion to construct a business centre to enhance the Church’s self-reliance and community outreach.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who chairs the Foundation, said AMDEF would now hold annual fundraisers to sustain key Church activities without financial anxiety.
“We want to build an endowment that will secure the diocese’s ability to serve the poor, educate our children, support the clergy, and spread the gospel,” Tayebwa said.
“Even the smallest contribution from ordinary Christians is very significant. AMDEF is a prophetic initiative— a bridge between our faith and the sustainability of our Church.”
Mbarara City South MP Mwine Mpaka echoed these sentiments, praising the Catholic Church’s role in driving transformative projects that benefit the entire population, regardless of religious affiliation.
“When you look at developments like the children’s hospital, schools, and the university, you realise the Catholic Church is at the centre of transforming Mbarara,” Mpaka said.
Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha expressed gratitude to the Foundation’s members and all contributors, including MPs and local government leaders, for their united support.
“This initiative is about working together,” the Archbishop said.
“Our priests, MPs, district leaders, and especially the lay people have all come together. By making any contribution towards this mission, we achieve what we are pursuing.”
He also used the occasion to call for peace and unity as Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections.
“We are entering a delicate period and we don’t want it to leave us with scars,” Bainomugisha said. “We should pray that the Lord, master of everything, gives us peace—so we remain Ugandans, brothers and sisters working together for humanity.”
The well-attended event underscored the Catholic Church’s growing emphasis on financial self-sustainability and strategic community investment.
AMDEF’s plan to construct a business centre is part of a broader vision to support the Church’s mission while reducing dependence on external aid.
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