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MBARARA - President Yoweri Museveni has contributed sh50m towards the completion of Emmanuel Church of Uganda in Rwenkanja, Kashari County in Mbarara district. 

The church was established in 1965 by the late Esteri Kokundeka alongside Esteri Kokundeka Memorial Primary and Secondary School, to promote education and social transformation of the community. 

It is believed that the late Kokundeka started the church under a eucalyptus tree and used drums to mobilise Christians for church services. 

Vice President Jessica Alupo flanked by her husband Peter Aine, handed over the money to the Christians during a colourful fundraising ceremony organised to ensure the completion of the magnificent church. 

The Vice President paid tribute to Kokundeka for being foresighted much as she never attained formal education. 

"She was able to recognise that education is the only tool which can be used to transform society hence spearheading efforts to establish schools in the area. Because of her efforts, many people are now serving in big offices not only here but also in government," she stated. 

She assured the congregation that the government through Museveni will continue to secure the country by maintaining peace and security, adding that the government will also continue to extend education, electricity, water and health services to the population by constructing health centres and hospitals to ensure that people get services. 

Alupo revealed that the government has given sh1b to every district in the country to handle community roads. 

She urged the believers to embrace government livelihood programs by participating in Emyooga, women's fund, youth livelihood, and the Parish Development Model, among others. 

"Take keen interest and popularise these programs geared at driving the population into the money economy," Alupo urged the Christians. 

She thanked the people of Mbarara for supporting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government and President Museveni in particular. 

Rev. Canon Nathan Bob Mwesigye, the Dean of Ankole Diocese, paid tribute to the late Kokundeka who preached the gospel of Jesus Christ amidst the challenges of trekking long distances from home. 

Mbarara District Woman MP, Margaret Rwebyambo, said it is very important that Kokundeka's legacy and vision is carried forward by expanding the church to fully-fledged and government-aided primary and secondary schools. 

"The Kokundeka schools are doing Mbarara proud by producing pupils with good academic grades," she observed. 

She appealed to the government to construct a health centre in the area, adding that the nearest health facility is located 8km away in Rubaya. 

Mbarara District LC5 chairman, Deus Tabaro, asked the government to fund the construction of new district headquarters at Bwizibwera, estimated to cost sh1b. 

He also asked the government to solve the water scarcity problem in the district which is being escalated by the drying up of River Rwizi.