The Bishop of Mukono Diocese, Rt. Rev. Enos Kitto Kagodo, has called on Members of Parliament from Greater Mukono to mobilise resources in support of the ongoing construction of the Diocesan Cathedral, describing the project as a unique opportunity for leaders and Christians to participate in building the house of God.
He made the remarks when MPs from the four districts of Mukono, Kayunga, Buikwe, and Buvuma paid a courtesy visit to the Bishop at his official residence, where they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the cathedral construction project.
The delegation was led by Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament, Betty Nambooze Bakireke of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
The meeting was intended to seek the Bishop’s prayers and guidance, as well as discuss key issues affecting communities in Greater Mukono that require parliamentary attention.
Addressing the Bishop, Nambooze assured him that legislators from Greater Mukono remain committed to the cathedral project and would continue supporting efforts aimed at completing the new diocesan cathedral.
She commended Bishop Kagodo for preserving the old cathedral, describing it as an important heritage site that should be protected for future generations.
Nambooze also raised concern over rising poverty levels in communities, which she attributed partly to trade restrictions that have affected businesses and household livelihoods.
She called on the Church to strengthen income-generating projects for its members and consider availing land for markets where communities can engage in productive economic activities.
The Mukono Municipality legislator further decried what she termed the excessive use of force by some government agencies against citizens and urged authorities to respect legal procedures by ensuring that suspects are promptly produced before courts of law.
In his response, Bishop Kagodo congratulated the newly elected leaders upon their victory despite the challenges experienced during the election period.
He reminded them that leadership is a calling from God and urged them to serve with humility, integrity, justice, and accountability, citing Micah 6:9.
“I urge you to recognise the grace of God that has placed you in this position, and let it inspire you to serve faithfully and do what is right, for God has called you for a purpose,” Bishop Kagodo said.
The Bishop encouraged the legislators to understand the challenges facing their communities and work towards practical solutions that improve the lives of the people.
He also commended their spirit of unity, saying cooperation among leaders is essential for meaningful development.
Bishop Kagodo expressed concern over the declining number of girls in school, linking the trend to early marriages.
He called on the MPs to raise the matter in Parliament and advocate for stronger measures to protect the education and rights of the girl child.
The Bishop further urged leaders to support the Church’s appeal to government for parents to provide meals for children at school, noting that adequate meals significantly improve school attendance, retention, and academic performance.
On road safety, Bishop Kagodo raised alarm over the increasing number of accidents, particularly those involving school-going children.
He attributed some of the crashes to poorly maintained vehicles and called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to ensure that only roadworthy vehicles are allowed on the roads.
The Bishop also appealed to the legislators to help address the growing problem of illegal encroachment on Church land.
He warned that if the issue is not urgently addressed, the Church risks losing land reserved for schools, playgrounds, and other community facilities.
During the meeting, several MPs made financial pledges towards the cathedral construction project.
Betty Nambooze Bakireke pledged Shs 10 million, Abdallah Kiwanuka Mulimamayuuni (Mukono North) pledged Shs 2 million, Robert Maseruka (Mukono South) pledged Shs 2 million, Jimmy Kanaabi (Buikwe South) pledged Shs 5 million, while the Mukono District Woman MP pledged Shs 5 million.
Bishop Kagodo concluded the meeting by praying for and blessing the legislators as they continue serving the people of Greater Mukono.
The engagement ended with a renewed commitment between Mukono Diocese and the MPs to work together in promoting development, protecting community interests, and advancing the wellbeing of the people across Greater Mukono.
