Kabushenga praises response

The Chief Executive Officer of Vision Group, Robert Kabushenga, has been at the forefront of marketing the Papal Walk to Namugongo. He talked to Hilary Bainemigisha about this walk scheduled for tomorrow

How far with the walk?

We are ready. It is tomorrow, Saturday October 31. We have sold so many tickets. The response was overwhelming.

Come Saturday, we shall have a chance of seeing how it works. Everyone who has a ticket will be welcome. We start assembling by 6:00AM and should be flagging off at 8AM, rain or shine. All walkers will have a chance of seeing the new Namugongo before it is handed over to security.

Originally, we conceived it as an idea of fundraising. In fact it started as a proposal for a marathon. But we felt that a walk would be more inclusive. But now, we have gone beyond the walk to an expression of faith, solidarity and excitement about the pope’s visit and a focus on the Martyrs shrines.

Any advice on dress code?
This is a walking activity so it is better we put on light clothing and comfortable shoes. No high heels. Security has also advised that no bags or baggage because we need to be security cautious. I am glad that most groups have expressed a wish to come branded in T shirts.

We should be mindful that it could rain and come prepared for it.

But why should people walk at their own cost?
Because people see the benefit. I have not done a lot of convincing. My appeal in all the places I have gone to, is about awareness. People have responded with a conviction because they want to make a contribution to receive the Pope in dignity.

It may be a healthy thing to walk but for many, it has been taken as an opportunity for the ordinary person to participate in the visit of the Pope. Sh10,000 is not a lot of money for many people, maybe two beers for many!

I have got a response from people of different religions and faiths showing solidarity.

You see, the Uganda Martyrs are our heritage as a country. We have received a lot more from them than we have given.

Talking of different faiths, at Christ the King Church, in appreciation of your work, you were asked to get baptised in the Catholic Church. Is it something you are considering?
You see, our needs as Ugandans transcend religions. People fall sick and go to Nsambya, Rubaga or Lacor hospitals; do they need baptism for that?

We have all benefited from the different religions along the way. I went to Catholic schools.

But at least I am glad that my name will be somewhere in the record of the Catholic Church.

What is your expectation for the walk to impress you as successful?

If Ugandans can be attracted from the various distractions engaging them right now to focus on and engage in the Pope visit, I will call it a success. Money is no longer an issue; we have raised more than we expected.

I appeal to everyone who paid to turn up for the walk. We shall broadcast it to the whole world. If they see the huge crowd and the excitement, we shall have delivered our message of readiness for the Pope visit.

Any challenges you faced in your mobilisation?

There is a Ugandan habit of waiting till the last minute. It is now that my phone is ringing off the hook with people calling me for money. In other countries, they start early.

When the Pope indicated his willingness to come, we should have started right then to plan.

But we are always rushing at the end. The other challenge is, we shall wait for the day to see if we got it right.

When are rosaries coming?

This weekend. They are coming from Rome specially ordered for this occasion by the Archbishop. I am struggling to see if I can have them for sale during the walk. People who have already paid will be given priority. We are selling them at sh100,000 and you don’t have to be a Catholic to buy. You can also buy for friends, relatives, spouses, in-laws, supporters and all.

But why should anyone pay that sh100,000 for a rosary?

It is not a transaction! That money is not about the value of the rosary. I am not a private businessman who is looking for a profit. We are raising money for the reconstruction of Namugongo and Munyonyo.

Then, this rosary is priceless. It is a souvenir to show posterity that you contributed for thePope visit and the development of our shrines.

Are people really paying?

Oh yes! Even before the rosaries arrive, we have almost sh1b! And those who have registered are a lot more! My experience is that when you are doing God’s work, a lot of things just fall in place.

What do you want to see during the Pope visit?

For me, let him just come. That is success already. If we can show him love, excitement and devotion, if we can line up all roads he will pass through, if the mass at Namugongo can be well organised with grandeur, crowds and celebration and if our quality of broadcast from Uganda to the world is excellent, I will declare it a success.

With this walk and the rosary mobilisation, we have involved the public and raised their emotional stake, awareness, engagement, and expectations.

How should Ugandans strategise to benefit from the Pope visit?

Many will benefit because he comes with many people, then there are other visitors from within and out. They will need services, accommodation, food, souvenirs and etc. But the biggest benefit should be the positioning of our shrines as an attraction for religious tourism which will give us a lasting benefit.

What do you admire about Pope Francis?
Humility. We have a big shortage of humility in this country. From day one, Pope Francis has been humble in word and deed! And humility is a lesson I have been getting daily.

You have to climb down from being the CEO of a big company like Vision Group and go begging for money. I have seen simple people and small churches raising more money selfl essly, a gesture you can’t ignore.

Anything else?|

I would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way, especially that person who approached me with sh3,000 and begged to be allowed to walk saying that was all he had! I want to thank the staff of Vision Group who took on additional work to make these projects successful.

People know me because it is I who has been in the media and talking in public but many have been behind me; editorial, accounts, administration, production, marketing, all.

I also thank the Catholic Church for giving us this opportunity to participate. Some people thought it was a burden but not anymore. Everyone is now happy with our success.

Papal walk facts

MBARARA

Walkers assemble at Uganda Martyrs Parish at 9:00am

Prayers at 9:30am

Flagging off by Mbarara Archbishop Paul Bakyenga at 10:00am

Marching band from Uganda Martyrs primary school

Coca Cola to serve drinks

Destination: Nyamitanga Cathedral

Mass at Nyamitanga led by the Archbishop at 12:00am

KAMPALA

Assembling at Kololo Airstrip starting from 6.00am

MC Msgr Lawrence Ssemusu of MUBS

Prayers at 7:30am

Flag off by Kampala Archbishop Cyprian Lwanga at 8:00am

Chief Walker is Katikiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga

Distance of 13.3 km

Coca Cola to serve drinks

Walkers to tour the new Namugongo grounds on arrival

Mass at Namugongo at 12.noon

Children walk

Children 8 – 15 years old assembling at Vienna College, Kyaliwajjala from 8:00am

Children games; face painting, bouncing castle till flag off

Drinks and popcorn to be served

All children will mark their fingerprints and sign on the walk canvas to be preserved as church record

To be flagged off by Fr Kaseeta Joseph of Naggulu Parish at 9:00am

Chief walker Aunt Jovita of Toto Magazine

Distance Vienna college to Namugongo 1.5Km

Parents and teachers are responsible for their children

All walk activities will be concluded by mass at Namugongo Martyrs PrimarySchool grounds