Alupo urges youth to shun violence, embrace productive ventures
“The youth should avoid vices of violence, drug abuse, corruption and other destructive behaviours and take advantage of things like vocational training, agriculture, technology and entrepreneurship,” Alupo said.
The Speaker of Parliament together with other leaders Cut Cake to mark 80 years of Mushanga Parish. (Credit: Bruno Mugizi)
SHEEMA - Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has cautioned the youth against violence, drug abuse and corruption, urging them to embrace productive ventures such as agriculture, vocational training, technology and entrepreneurship.
Alupo made the call in a speech delivered on her behalf by the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oboth, during the 80th anniversary celebrations of Mushanga Catholic Parish in Kabwohe Division, Sheema Municipality, on September 26, 2026.
The celebrations, also known as the Oak Jubilee, were marked by the ordination of two priests, ending a 27-year wait for a priest from the parish.
The two deacons, Rev. Deacon Felix Twinomugisha and Rev. Deacon Marius Akoromwiguru, were ordained during a thanksgiving Mass led by the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, the Most Rev. Lambert Bainomugisha.
Youth urged to embrace productive ventures
In her speech, Alupo urged the youth to avoid activities that could undermine their future and instead take advantage of available opportunities
“The youth should avoid vices of violence, drug abuse, corruption and other destructive behaviours and take advantage of things like vocational training, agriculture, technology and entrepreneurship,” Alupo said.
She said the government remained committed to improving household incomes through various programmes, but urged the youth to be disciplined and hardworking if they were to benefit from them.
“Government remains committed to improving the welfare of our people through programmes that will improve household income,” she said
Alupo also congratulated the newly ordained priests, reminding them that priesthood is a call to service.
“Those who have been ordained to priesthood, to me, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in life. Your ordination is a great privilege and also a responsibility. You are called to imitate Christ through humility, integrity, compassion and service,” she said.
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth greeting Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha. (Credit: Bruno Mugizi)
Church invests in self-sustainability
The head of laity for Mbarara Archdiocese, Eng. Dr Silver Mugisha, said the Church was investing in income-generating projects to strengthen its financial sustainability.
He said the Archdiocese would also support catechists with coffee seedlings to improve their household incomes.
“We have inputs to help you develop in your households, and we shall start giving the catechists in Mbarara Archdiocese coffee seedlings to see how you can develop because you are the eyes of our Christians. You cannot preach prosperity when you are not developed,” Mugisha said.
Mugisha said the Archdiocese had embarked on major development and infrastructure projects, including a commercial building in Mbarara city estimated to cost sh12.9 billion.
He said income from the building would help the Archdiocese achieve financial sustainability under the leadership of Archbishop Bainomugisha through the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Foundation (AMDEF).
He commended Mushanga Parish for embracing development and planning to construct a commercial building that would generate income for the parish.
Parish launches sh6.5b commercial project
During the celebrations, the parish launched plans for a sh6.5 billion commercial building project in Sheema Municipality.
The building will be named Pere Gauthier House in honour of Pere Gauthier, the first parish priest of Mushanga, who served from 1946 to 1960.
Sheema Municipality MP Dickson Kateshumbwa commended the parish for linking faith with development.
He commended the parish for its development projects, including real estate investments and buildings in Kabwohe town.
Archbishop warns against forgetting God
Archbishop Bainomugisha cautioned Christians against forgetting God after achieving prosperity.
“Don't forget the Lord once you enter into the land of abundance, when you have eaten, and you are satisfied. Don't exalt yourselves from the Lord. This is a fitting word for a parish like Mushanga marking 80 years,” he said.
He urged the newly ordained priests to serve God with obedience and preach the Gospel.
Kamuntu praises parish for promoting unity
Internal affairs minister Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu commended Mushanga Parish for promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among people of different religious backgrounds.
He thanked the parish priest, Fr Genesio Niwagaba, for organising inter-religious prayers in the district every year, saying such initiatives help promote love and unity among communities.
Mushanga Catholic Parish, one of the oldest parishes in Mbarara Archdiocese, was founded in 1946.
The 80th anniversary celebrations brought together clergy, political leaders, parishioners and other guests to commemorate the parish's contribution to evangelisation and the Catholic faith over the past eight decades.
Other dignitaries who attended included Sheema Woman MP Adrune Katusiime Mwebesa, Internal Affairs Permanent Secretary Lt Gen. Joseph Musanyufu, and Raymond Kamugisha, the director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Development, among others.