Nicholas A
The Most Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha, Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, has called on Christians to actively participate in poverty eradication programs initiated by the church, stressing the importance of development alongside spiritual growth. He made these remarks after the 10th annual Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA) caravan, held from September 6-8 at Rushooka Catholic Parish, serving both Rushooka and Bwizibwera parishes.
Archbishop Bainomugisha urged Christians to go beyond their faith by working hard and joining poverty eradication organizations. He praised AMDA for its development-oriented approach and its efforts to inspire communities.
Christopher Gumisiriza, AMDA chairperson, explained that the annual three-day AMDA caravan visits members’ home parishes, fostering mindset change across seven pillars: unity, spiritual growth, leadership development, economic empowerment, education, health and wellness, and environmental sustainability. The event culminates with a Thanksgiving mass.
This year’s caravan, which featured 250 AMDA members, attracted 600 medics who provided treatment for a range of diseases. A total of 5,258 patients received medical attention, including 65 for eye-related issues, 342 for dental care, and 214 for cancer screenings.
Rushenyi County MP Naome Kabashariira commended AMDA for bringing the caravan to her area, noting its significant impact. She highlighted the life-changing skills, economic empowerment programs, legal talks, mindset renewal sessions, and spiritual counseling that have transformed many lives.
AMDA Bwizibwera Parish Coordinator, Muhereza Kacooboye Jude, lauded the caravan’s contributions, including the construction of student bathrooms at St. Peter’s Secondary School Bwizibwera, vocational training for women, and the renovation of boys’ dormitories at Rushooka Secondary School. The initiative also included the distribution of domestic animals and liquid soap-making skills training.
The AMDA caravan continues to serve as a beacon of development and empowerment in the communities it visits.
