EDITOR
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mama Janet Kataaha Museveni, has praised the role of religious institutions in fostering national development through ministering to their congregations.
Represented by Ntungamo District Woman MP Hon. Bata Kamateneti, the First Lady emphasized that the Church has played a vital role in strengthening the moral fabric of communities and nurturing children in values such as honesty, hard work, and respect for others.
She made these remarks during a fundraising drive to raise UGX 800 million for the roofing and completion of St. John’s Kishariro Catholic Parish in Nyamunuuka Town Council, Ntungamo District.
Mrs. Museveni noted that fundraising is not merely about adding bricks and mortar to a building, but about creating a sanctuary where future generations will gather to pray and fellowship. She stressed that investing in the house of God is an investment in the nation’s spiritual and moral foundation.
She commended Kishariro Catholic Parish for being a beacon of hope, a center of moral guidance, and a place where the faithful come together not only to worship but also to support one another in times of need. The First Lady contributed UGX 50 million towards the church’s completion and applauded the unity, commitment, and generosity of its Christians.
In her address, Hon. Bata Kamateneti thanked friends and well-wishers who contributed generously to the parish’s development, describing their support as a sign of love, faith, and solidarity. She also expressed gratitude to the President and First Lady for entrusting her with leadership, urging Ugandans to support the NRM and its leadership. Hon. Kamateneti personally contributed UGX 5 million towards the project and lauded Rev. Fr. Oscar Ahimbisibwe Omutsyatsya, the parish priest, for working closely with the community to advance God’s work.
Ntungamo District LCV Chairperson Samuel Mucunguzi Rwakigooba encouraged Christians to focus on eradicating household poverty instead of over-engaging in politics, noting that politics alone does not put food on the table.
Mbarara Archdiocese Pastoral Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Twesigy’omwe Ekikondanjojo, urged Christians to prioritize necessities over luxury items as a way to improve household income and build churches without relying on external aid. He cautioned against unplanned spending, which often leads to debt, and encouraged a culture of saving and investment.
Rev. Fr. Omutsyatsya thanked the First Lady and the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, His Grace Lambert Beinomugisha, for honoring his invitation. He explained that the construction of the church began in 2022 and, upon completion, will accommodate up to 1,000 Christians.
Other notable contributors included Namanya Viola Buroko, the NRM flag bearer for Ntungamo District Woman MP; Tukahirwa Byenjuru Hunter, the NRM flag bearer for Kajara County; Hon. Mwijukye Francis, MP for Buhweju; members of Lions Club Ntungamo; and Gordon Kabanza. Their contributions significantly advanced the progress toward roofing and completing St. John’s Kishariro Catholic Church.
