VP Alupo applauds church's role in complementing govt services

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Vice President Jessica Alupo has commended the Church for its role in Uganda’s development, particularly in complementing government efforts in education and healthcare.

She noted that the Church has long been a cornerstone of Uganda’s progress, working alongside government initiatives in education and agriculture.

Her message, delivered by state minister for Kampala and metropolitan affairs Kabuye Kyofatogabye, was read during the celebrations marking 100 years of Christianity at Our Lady of Fatima Mubende Catholic Parish in Mubende district on September 20, 2025.

The theme of the day was: “We celebrate 100 years, as we remember Jesus Christ, everywhere we are,” (Tujaguza emyaka kikumi nga tujulira Kristu, wonna, wonna wetubeera).

Alupo paid tribute to the White Fathers, founders of Mubende Parish, and applauded the parish’s contributions to agriculture, education, and the Seminary, which she said has spurred much development in the district.

She revealed that government has invested sh5.6 trillion in both the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga in Mubende district. She praised the people of Mubende for their cooperation with these initiatives and urged religious leaders to support their successful implementation.

The Vice President also donated sh20 million towards the development of Mubende Parish.

State minister for Kampala, Joseph Kyofatogabye who represented Vice President Jessica Alupo and Minister of lands, Judith Nabakooba at the event.

The celebration was attended by hundreds of Christians and began with Holy Mass led by the chairman of the Episcopal Conference and Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana, Joseph Anthony Zziwa, assisted by Bishop Lawrence Mukasa of Kasana-Luweero Diocese, Msgr Gerald Kalumba representing Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, Vicar General Fr Emmanuel Tamale, parish priest Fr Emmanuel Mwerekande, and several priests from other parishes and dioceses.

The event was also graced by Minister of Lands Judith Nalule Nabakooba, former IGP Edward Kayihura, Hon Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu, Speaker of the Buganda Lukiiko Luwaga Mugumbule (representing Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga), Superior General of the Daughters of Mary Sisters Bwanda Noelina Namusoke, retired Deputy Justice Francis Xavier Buteera, area MP Bashir Ssempa, Woman MP Nalongo Hope Grania Nakazibwe Abaasa, educationist Hon Edward Bwerere Kasole Lwanga, Diocesan Head of Laity Francis Tumuhimbise, politicians, religious leaders, and other dignitaries.

In his homily, Bishop Zziwa thanked all those who donated land for the Church and urged the youth and their families to respect it.

He expressed gratitude to Christians for their contributions towards building and developing parishes, and hailed Mubende Parish as the third oldest of the 32 parishes that make up the Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese.

He noted that Mubende Parish has given rise to six other parishes: Maddudu (1968), Kiganda (1966), Kasambya (1990), Katente (2010), Ssenkulu (2022) and Kibaringa (2022).

While celebrating the growth of faith over the past 100 years, he also urged believers to strengthen their faith, noting that some still cling to unchristian practices.

The parish was established by missionaries Louis Marie Gourmelen, Joseph Cabana and Bro Remmy, and was launched on September 20, 1925, by Msgr Henry Streicher, also known as “Stenseera.”

On behalf of the Katikkiro, Luwaga Mugumbule thanked priests, Christians, the Kabaka and Luwekula for their contributions and donations.

Nalongo Claire Kigongo Ssebitosi thanked parishioners and well-wishers for their support in making the centenary celebrations successful.

Fr Mwerekande expressed his gratitude for the efforts of all who contributed to the celebrations. He thanked Bishop Zziwa for granting Mubende Parish the opportunity to host the centenary event.

“It will always be memorable in the history of Mubende. Three hundred choir members sang, and for the record, a small collection of sh4m plus for Nzimba Eklezia yange (I am building my church) was raised,” he said.