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AMDA members pose with the archbishop of Mbarara His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha last week
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By Jovita Hasto
For the last ten years, the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA) has been a lifeline to disadvantaged communities across Mbarara Archdiocese. Since its establishment in 2013, the Catholic-founded association has supported education, health, entrepreneurship, leadership, and spiritual growth.
AMDA brings together Catholics from Mbarara Archdiocese living in Kampala and Jinja, united by a common mission to uplift underprivileged communities through service and faith. Its initiatives have touched countless lives in education, health, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and spiritual development.
Ten years of impact
Over the past decade, AMDA has organized numerous caravan camps across the Archdiocese. The most recent was a medical caravan camp, crowned with a joyful Mass led by the Archbishop of Mbarara, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Nyamitanga Parish in Mbarara City on August 31.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Chris Gumisiriza, AMDA Chairperson, reflected on the association’s journey.
"Though we faced challenges in the early years, the support of the Archbishop and the community strengthened us. We have supported Catholic-founded schools, offered scholarships, empowered women in business, treated thousands of patients, and trained hundreds in income-generating activities,” he said.
Among AMDA’s notable achievements are the construction of water tanks and toilets at Kibona Vocational School, training of over 600 people in entrepreneurship, and organizing medical camps where 5,430 patients were treated. The association also facilitated cleft lip and palate surgeries, collected 231 units of blood for hospitals, and provided essential medicines free of charge.
“The medical camp was life-changing. Beyond treatment, it restored hope and dignity,” Mr. Gumisiriza added.
Stories of hope
Beneficiaries of AMDA’s work shared their gratitude. Ms. Eligalida Tumuhirwe, a resident of Buhweju District, said she had battled fibroids since 2023 but could not afford proper treatment.
“I relied on government facilities but couldn’t raise transport money for bigger hospitals. At the AMDA caravan in Mbarara, I received free medicine. This is a huge relief,” she said with joy.
Growth and unity
Ms. Winnie Byanyima, one of AMDA’s founders, described the association’s growth as inspirational.
“We started humbly, but today AMDA is a strong organization bringing together people from Kampala and beyond to solve challenges in our communities. Thousands have benefited, and this is the fruit of unity and hard work,” she said.
Mr. Emmanuel Mbarebaki, in charge of leadership under AMDA, commended members for sowing seeds of love and discipline through community visits and moral teachings.
“The acts of kindness – from feeding people at medical camps to contributing simple things like pineapples and sugarcane for church projects – are transforming lives. These small gestures have built big dreams,” he noted.
The Church speaks
Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha congratulated Nyamitanga Parish on its golden jubilee and praised AMDA for its unwavering commitment to service.
“The people who have benefited from AMDA are living testimonies of healing, both of body and soul. Your efforts show the spirit of unity and faith in action. May the Lord bless and guide your service forever,” he said.
Looking ahead
As AMDA marks a decade of service, its leaders and members remain committed to deepening their mission: sharing hope, empowering communities, and nurturing faith. From scholarships and skills training to health outreach and spiritual growth, the association continues to embody its founding vision – being a ray of hope to the people of Mbarara Archdiocese.
