Staff Reporter
Over 1.2 billion Ugandan shillings have been raised to construct the Diocese of Kigezi shopping mall.
The funds were collected during the Bishop’s Development Fund (BDF) launch, which took place on Saturday at the St. Peter’s Cathedral Rugarama grounds in the Northern Division of Kabale Municipality.
The President of the Republic of Uganda, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, was the chief guest at the event, represented by the State Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives in charge of Industry, Hon. David Bahati. President Museveni commended the church for its role in socially and economically transforming communities. He noted that the church has been a partner with the government in improving the lives of Christians.
President Museveni urged Ugandans to focus on wealth creation rather than simply praying for miracles, stressing that this approach is essential to eradicating poverty in their communities.
During the Thanksgiving service, the Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Rwanda, Rt. Rev. Laurent Mbanda, called on Christians to live committed and purposeful lives, expressing gratitude for God’s grace in their daily lives. He reminded Christians of the many reasons they have to thank God and encouraged them to lead renewed lives, resisting conformity to worldly standards. The Archbishop contributed 40 million Ugandan shillings and praised Bishop Gaddie Akanjuna for his leadership and dedication to fostering development.
Bishop Gaddie Akanjuna thanked the President for gracing the occasion through Minister David Bahati and pledged continued cooperation between the government and the church. He also assured the congregation that the church will keep spreading the government’s message of development, including initiatives like the Parish Development Model and diocesan programs such as Hass avocado farming to boost household incomes.
The President contributed 150 million Ugandan shillings in cash, bringing the total amount raised by the Bishop’s Development Fund to 1.245 billion shillings. The funds will go toward the construction of a shopping mall aimed at improving the diocese’s financial standing, with the goal of raising 3 billion shillings over a period of one and a half years.
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