In a powerful show of faith and unity, Catholics in Ibanda District have raised Shs 379 million toward the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Fund (AMDF), significantly boosting the diocese’s Shs 8.5 billion fundraising target for the construction of a mega arcade in Mbarara City.
The mobilization campaign, which began earlier this year, aims to support the Archdiocese's development projects and improve service delivery across its Catholic institutions.
Ibanda as a district, was given a target of Shs 500 million, and Saturday’s event marked a major milestone, with the remaining balance now expected to come in through pledges.
The Saturday mobilization event began with a solemn mass led by Lambert Bainomugisha, the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese. In his homily, Archbishop Bainomugisha emphasized the importance of self-reliance in church development.
“We must stop relying solely on donors. The Church needs to build its capacity to fund and sustain its own projects. I thank all of you who have supported this noble cause,” he said.
The event was graced by various leaders, including Members of Parliament and Jovrine Kaliisa Kyomukama, Deputy National Coordinator of the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other political leaders who contributed over Shs 50 million during the event.
Eng. Silver Mugisha, the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees (BoT) for the Archdiocese of Mbarara, provided a financial update.
“Since the mobilization began, we have so far raised over Shs 2 billion of the required Shs 8.5 billion. Ibanda alone has contributed Shs 379 million, which is commendable,” said Eng. Mugisha.
Professor Fr. Peter Kanyandago, the Episcopal Delegate for the Ibanda Deanery, applauded the involvement of both the laity and public servants.
“We are grateful to the lay faithful, politicians, and civil servants who have shown generosity and commitment to this project,” Fr. Kanyandago remarked.
AMDF was initiated by Archbishop Bainomugisha to provide a sustainable model for resource mobilization, with the overarching goal of strengthening the Church's mission in development and service delivery.
Ibanda joins other districts such as Bushenyi, Rwampara, Ntungamo, Isingiro,Rubirizi,Mitoma,Rwampara,Sheema,Buhweju,and Kiruhura, which have already been visited in the fundraising campaign. Mbarara and Kazo are still scheduled for their mobilization drives.
With over Shs 2 billion raised so far, the Archdiocese is well on its way toward realizing its vision of a self-sustaining and development-focused Church.