KABALE – The Member of Parliament for Kabale Municipality, Hon. Andrew Aja Baryayanga, has commended religious institutions for their significant contributions to community development, particularly in the education, health, and economic sectors.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The legislator made the remarks on Saturday while serving as the Guest of Honour at the 3rd Annual Bishop’s Development Fund (BDF) fundraising event held at the Convention Site on Rugarama Diocese Hill in Kabale Municipality.
The function, presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, was aimed at raising funds for the completion of a diocesan shopping mall currently under construction in Kabale Town.
The function, which drew a host of dignitaries from within and beyond the diocese, raised a total of approximately 1 billion shillings in cash and pledges, all dedicated to the cause.
Representing the Minister of Finance as Chief Guest, Hon. Aja Baryayanga noted that the diocese has done commendable work in establishing schools, hospitals, and other community institutions that support people in their daily lives.
The legislator added that beyond providing spiritual nourishment, the church has empowered communities to venture into economic development activities such as agriculture and savings efforts, which he said help even the government generate more tax revenue.
“Beyond spiritual nourishment, the Church has empowered our communities to embrace economic development through agriculture and savings initiatives, efforts which even help government to expand the tax base and generate more revenue,” he noted.
During the event, Bishop Gaddie Akanjuna launched the diocesan prayer guide book, urging believers to dedicate sufficient time to prayer, listening to the Word of God, and reading the Bible. He emphasized that a family that prays together builds a strong bond with God.
The Bishop also encouraged people to prepare their gardens as the rainy season approaches, advising them to grow coffee and Hass avocados that will generate income for families in the near future.
“I wish to urge you to pray more, listen to the Word of God, and read the Bible every day. A family that prays together stays close to God. More so, the rains are coming; prepare your gardens. Grow coffee and Hass avocados which will give your families income in the future,” Bishop Akanjuna noted.
Also attending the function was the Rubanda District Woman MP and environmentalist, Hon. Ninsiima Evelyn Kikafunda, who urged people to plant more trees to protect the environment, which she noted has drastically changed.
She passionately called upon lower Local Council leaders and the public to actively join the ongoing campaign of properly disposing of plastics, which pose a serious threat to human life and the environment.
“We need to plant more trees to avoid the climate change effects, which have changed a lot. Our Local Council leaders and the public need to join us in fighting against plastics. We must dispose of plastics properly because they are very dangerous to our lives and the environment,” MP Evelyn noted.
The fundraising program was led by the Rukiga District Woman MP, Dr. Sylvia Alineitwe, who mobilized people from the Diocese of Kigezi Kampala Chapter and beyond.
The event was attended by a number of dignitaries, including MPs Hon. Bruce Balaba Kabaasa, Hon. Enid Atuheire Origumisiriza, and Hon. Kiconco Patrick Katabaazi.
Other dignitaries present included the Kabale District Chairperson along with his Council Speaker, Fravia Nyinakiza Kanagizi, and the Rukiga District Chairperson, Simon Mutebi Rwamagyenda, along with his Council Speaker, Oscar Akampurira, among others.
The Bishop’s Development Fund (BDF) was initiated by Bishop Gaddie Akanjuna to generate sustainable and independent income for the diocese, thereby significantly reducing its heavy reliance on direct donations from outside entities.
About the Author
