State Minister of Finance, Henry Musasizi, has commended the Church of Uganda for spearheading commercial construction projects aimed at promoting self-sustainability.
Speaking at the launch of the Bishop Development Fund at St. Peter's Cathedral Rugarama in Kabale Municipality, Musasizi praised the Diocese of Kigezi for its plans to build a shopping mall arcade in Kabale, a project valued at shs3.1 billion .
Musasizi also acknowledged similar efforts by other religious institutions, highlighting the Catholic Church’s Mapeera House in Kampala and the Muslim community’s King Fahad Plaza.
He encouraged faith leaders to actively promote government poverty alleviation programs, emphasizing the role of religious organizations in socio-economic transformation.
"By embracing commercial construction projects and income generation initiatives, faith-based organizations can contribute significantly to Uganda’s socio-economic development," said Musasizi.
The minister further appreciated the Diocese of Kigezi for their additional sustainability projects.
He referenced the Church of Uganda's Church House, noting that the government has supported the church in settling its debt with Equity Bank, having cleared shs20 billion, with a balance of shs21 billion remaining.
This move aligns with a broader trend of faith-based organizations embracing income-generating activities. Entities like Muslim Hands and Islamic Relief Worldwide have implemented livelihood projects to provide business training, tools, and small loans to individuals.
The launch event raised over shs1.2 billion shillings in support of the development project.