The Parish Priest of Mitala Maria Parish, Rev. Fr. Deogratius Kiibi, has called on Ugandans to strengthen support for one another and deepen their trust in God amid growing socio-economic challenges affecting communities across the country.
Fr. Kiibi made the remarks during a thanksgiving Mass held as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations marking 25 years of Gorilla Tours/Habari Travel’s existence. The event brought together stakeholders in the tourism sector, faithful, and community members to reflect on both spiritual and economic resilience.
In his homily, Fr. Kiibi highlighted unemployment and poverty as some of the most pressing issues facing Ugandans today. He warned that many individuals are increasingly vulnerable, especially after retirement, due to inadequate savings and lack of long-term financial planning.
“We are living in difficult times where many people are struggling to find stable sources of income. Even those who have worked for years often face hardship after retirement because they did not prepare adequately,” he said. “This calls for unity, mutual support, and unwavering faith in God.”
The priest commended Gorilla Tours/Habari Travel for its resilience and contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic development over the past two and a half decades. He noted that the company has played a vital role in promoting tourism and creating employment opportunities, thereby supporting livelihoods.
Speaking at the same event, one of the company’s founders, Immaculate Ssempebwa, reflected on the journey of building the business, describing it as challenging but ultimately rewarding. He revealed that he was among the pioneers who introduced Uganda’s tourism potential to the Netherlands market, helping to position the country as a desirable travel destination.
“Our journey has not been easy, but we are proud of what we have achieved over the past 25 years,” Ssempebwa said. “We have seen growth, overcome challenges, and contributed to showcasing Uganda to the world.”
He urged Ugandans to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation as pathways to financial independence, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance in securing a stable future.
“People should not only depend on formal employment. Starting small initiatives can go a long way in ensuring financial security, especially after retirement,” he added.
As Gorilla Tours/Habari Travel celebrates its Silver Jubilee, company leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding operations and continuing to promote Uganda’s tourism sector on the global stage.
The celebrations served not only as a milestone for the company but also as a platform to address broader societal issues, blending messages of faith, economic empowerment, and national development.
