Written By | BK Mugizi
During the function, Christians and well-wishers raised Shs357 million to support the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Foundation (AMDEF).
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Bushenyi
The Minister of Water and Environment, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, has commended the Catholic Church for complementing government efforts in education, healthcare, and socio-economic development through its various institutions and community initiatives.
Otafiire made the remarks on Sunday while officiating as the guest of honour at a fundraising drive for the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Foundation (AMDEF) held at St. Peter's Catholic Parish, Kitabi, in Bushenyi District.
"The Catholic Church has greatly supported government programmes through its schools, health facilities, and income-generating projects. Such initiatives are essential as Uganda works towards attaining middle-income status by 2040," Otafiire said.
During the function, Christians and well-wishers raised Shs357 million to support the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Foundation (AMDEF).
The money will be used to fund the foundation's development programmes, including the construction of major commercial and social infrastructure, such as the Archdiocesan multi-billion-shilling mega arcade in Mbarara City, which will also house the Centenary Bank Mbarara City Branch.
The project is expected to generate a steady income to support church activities and community development programmes.
The Archbishop of Mbarara, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, said the Archdiocese established AMDEF to mobilise and pool resources for sustainable development across the region.
"We started this initiative to build a strong foundation for the future of our Archdiocese through investments in education, health, leadership development, and church infrastructure," Bainomugisha said.
He applauded Christians from St. Kaggwa Deanery for their commitment to the initiative, noting that the deanery pioneered the campaign last year.
Bainomugisha said the fundraising campaign has so far covered the Archdiocese's 14 districts and Kampala, raising about Shs3 billion to finance various development projects.
Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha, the Head of Laity for the Archdiocese of Mbarara and Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), urged Christians and church leaders to continue supporting the foundation.
"The generosity shown by Christians demonstrates their commitment to building a self-reliant Church capable of transforming communities through sustainable development," Mugisha said.
He commended the faithful for embracing the initiative, saying the resources mobilised will strengthen the Archdiocese's projects.
Hundreds of Christians attended the fundraising function, which forms part of the Archdiocese's ongoing campaign to mobilise resources for long-term community and church development.
