St. Peter Apostle Bugaya Catholic Parish has unveiled a Shs3 billion Parish Complex and kicked off raising the funds locally with a call for giving back to God, adding value to whatever one has, and mindset change.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. George Tenywa Kisige, says the Parish, which was opened two years ago, is starting from scratch but with goodwill from Christians backed by a clear vision, mission, and leadership.
“Being the Apostle Church Parish, we are faithfully looking at being a modern-era church, growing the faith, responding to contemporary needs, and remaining relevant to our flock. We shall be two years this August, and though ambitious, the Complex which includes a modern church with a 2,000-person capacity, a monastery, and a convent—by the very providence and will of the people, is on course,” Fr. Kisige disclosed.
He revealed that the focus of the Parish is rebuilding the family and parenting institutions amidst the rising domestic violence, family breakups, and absentee parenting through mindset change and outreaches.
The priest challenged leaders to give back to God, offer better services to the people—not mere lip service and rhetoric—and promote unity, peace, and harmony with respect for one another.
“As we come to renewing our leaders’ contract politically, let us co-exist, live in peace, and respect one another because it is only God who knows, guides, and anoints leaders,” he added.
He also warned leaders against seeking favor from the shrines, emphasising that it is God who gives leadership.
In a mini fundraising, Budiope East MP and FUFA President, Hashim Magogo, contributed Shs20 million and presented the priest with a Papal gift—“my family always blessed by the Pope, brought from Rome”—of four sets of priestly robes, saying though a Muslim, he believes in unity and the countless blessings from serving God.
Magogo underscored the role of the Church in counseling and building people up spiritually, socially, and economically with values of honesty, hard work, and forgiveness, and asked the Church to work closely with the government to ensure its programs.
“Uganda is a secular country, offering freedom of worship, so closely work with it to cause social and economic transformation among the flock. Support government programs. And as a family, the Speaker and the twins, always closely serving the Catholic Church and close friends to the Pope, we shall always give back in return. The other time she gave Shs50 million, and today I too bring you Shs20 million. And next week, as you do a mega fundraising, we shall bring the contribution and thanksgiving from the twins—not because we have or want to show off, but simply to appreciate and give back to God for being on our side,” Magogo clarified.
The mini fundraisings have so far collected Shs120 million, and a mega one, to be conducted by the Jinja Catholic Bishop Martin Wamika, is scheduled for next week.