KAMPALA – President Museveni has acknowledged the Church’s vital role in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation through healthcare, education, and moral guidance, reaffirming the longstanding Government-Church partnership in advancing community development.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The President’s remarks were delivered by the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, during the thanksgiving ceremony of Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, Commissioner General of Uganda Prisons, held at Kololo Independence Grounds on Sunday.
The ceremony, attended by a number of dignitaries including government officials and foreigners, also featured a fundraising drive for the completion of Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano in Rukungiri District.
The ceremony was led by the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, who presided over an uplifting thanksgiving service with a powerful and inspiring message on giving thanks in all circumstances.
The grand liturgy, organized under North Kigezi Diocese, sought to raise UGX 3.7 billion to complete the magnificent Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano in Rukungiri District, with a remarkable UGX 2.47 billion raised at the function.
Dr. Crispus Kiyonga urged Ugandans to embrace household wealth creation and transition from subsistence farming to the money economy, highlighting commercial agriculture, industrialization, services, and ICT as key drivers of jobs and wealth.
“I urge Ugandans to create household wealth and move from subsistence farming to the money economy through commercial farming, industry, services, and ICT to create jobs and wealth. I thank the Church for its role in health, education, and moral guidance and reaffirm the strong Government-Church partnership in community development,” said Dr. Crispus Kiyonga.
He also commended Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, and Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija for successfully organizing the colourful thanksgiving and fundraising event.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, who graced the occasion, applauded Uganda’s offender rehabilitation approach, noting its low recidivism rate of 13.4% compared to 90% in South Africa, 47% in Kenya and Tanzania, and 36% in Rwanda.
The Deputy Speaker commended Commissioner General Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija for his integrity and clean audit record with no misappropriated funds, describing him as a worthy mentor.
“Uganda’s prison rehabilitation system is working well, with only 13.4% of offenders re-offending compared to 90% in South Africa, 47% in Kenya and Tanzania, and 36% in Rwanda. Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija is a man of integrity with a clean audit record and no lost funds, and he is a worthy mentor,” said Deputy Speaker Tayebwa.
Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, Chairperson of North Kigezi Diocese, joyfully celebrated 69 years of life with profound and heartfelt gratitude to God for his life, health, and family.
He and his family generously contributed UGX 43 million towards the completion of the cathedral, marking the remarkable milestone with faithful thanksgiving and service.
At the colourful ceremony, President Yoweri Museveni’s generous contribution of UGX 300 million towards the fundraising efforts for Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano was officially announced.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including Ministers, security officials, MPs, clergy, faithful, and well-wishers, to celebrate Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija’s life and support the fundraising to complete Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano.
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