AMDA members launch fundraiser for upcoming caravan

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Members of the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA) have committed to finance health and education projects from the proceeds of the 2025 caravan to Nyamitanga in Mbarara city.

At a function held in Kampala on Thursday (April 3), the AMDA membership collected sh140m of the sh500m.

The chief guest was internal affairs minister Gen. Kahinde Otaffire.

The caravan, which will climax at Nyamitanga Catholic Parish in Mbarara city, will support St Maria and St Charles schools in Katukuru parish.

The parish has seven primary schools and one secondary school (St Peter's Secondary School, Katukuru).

“Various economic empowerment activities will be conducted both before and during the caravan to support and uplift the local communities," said AMDA chairman Chris Gumisiriza.

"These activities include the distribution of Hass avocado and coffee seedlings to promote sustainable agriculture, as well as training women in baking as a means of supplementing household income."

Participants will also be trained in backyard farming and gardening, modern farming practices and access to markets.

“To further enhance livelihoods, business skills training is also provided, equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to run successful enterprises,” added Gumisiriza.

AMDA brings together over 3,000 members from all the Catholic dioceses that form Mbarara Archdiocese.

The Archdiocese of Mbarara covers the districts of Mbarara, Ibanda, Kiruhura, Isingiro, Bushenyi, Shema, Rubirizi, Mitoma, Buhweiju and Ntungamo.

The upcoming caravan will also include a legal aid clinic prepared in collaboration with the Uganda Law Society to provide legal advice to communities facing legal challenges.

“People who require legal representation in the courts of law will be referred to the ULS Legal Aid project team in Mbarara Diocese for assistance until their cases are resolved,” said Gumisiriza.

There will also be life skills development talks for men, women, and youth.

The AMDA chair said they have partnered with National Forestry Authority (NFA) to distribute tree seedlings to all parishes. Community members will be educated about their individual and collective responsibility in environmental protection.

Christopher Gyumisirisa, chairperson of the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA), looking on as Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, Minister of Internal Affairs, flags off the AMDA caravan to Nyamitanga in Mbarara. Beside them are some members of AMDA. This was at Hotel Africana. (Photo by Simon Peter Tumwine)

On his part, minister Otafiire hailed AMDA for what he termed as the caravan’s holistic approach to development and challenged members to work towards wealth creation.

“Your motto, 'pray and work' resonates deeply with me," he said.

"It's clear that you are not just focused on spiritual growth, but also on economic empowerment. As I always say, poverty and discontent often go hand-in-hand. But I believe that God has blessed us with abundant resources and opportunities. Let's harness these blessings to improve our livelihoods."

Otafiire pledged sh10m to support the caravan.

"I am particularly pleased to see that your caravan prioritizes education, demonstrating a commitment to empowering individuals and communities," he said.

"Many of you here are accomplished individuals, and I urge you to use your skills and expertise to uplift the less fortunate.”

Rita Atukwasa, the Mbarara City Woman MP, praised the AMDA caravan as a special innovation that provides several services back home, leading to uplifting the lives of people.

“From all arms and pillars, the AMDA caravan picks from the greatest commandment that Jesus left us with: to love our neighbours as we love ourselves," she said.

"This being Lent season, giving others also impacts on us."