Wakiso Vicariate collects sh163m to build home for elderly, sickly priests
The fundraising drive for the Wakiso chapter was launched at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Namugongo, Wakiso district, on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
The Vice-Chairman of SAAFU, Michael Ssebowa Mukasa, delivers his message during the function. With him is the Head of the Laity of Kampala Archdiocese, Emily Kitto Mwaka. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
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The fundraising campaign for the Ssabasumba Annual Appeal Fund (SAAFU) has officially launched in the Kampala Archdiocese Vicariate of Wakiso. Christians are encouraged to provide financial support to Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, enabling him to construct a modern home for elderly and sick priests.
SAAFU serves as a dedicated fund that the archbishop utilises for various special projects within the archdiocese.
The fundraising drive for the Wakiso chapter was launched at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Namugongo, Wakiso district, on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The event began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Episcopal Vicar of Wakiso, the Rev. Fr. Jude Makanga. He urged Christians in the vicariate to contribute generously to the project supporting elderly and sickly priests.
The Director of SAAFU, Fr. Timothy Lukananso, delivers his message during the function. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
Michael Ssebowa Mukasa, the Vice-Chairman of the SAAFU fundraising committee, announced that their target for this year is 20 billion shillings. He explained that this amount could be easily raised if every Catholic in the archdiocese donated just 10,000 shillings a year, or approximately 850 shillings a month.
“With over 2 million Christians in the archdiocese, we can reach this target if we engage all our Catholics, including young people. We encourage parents to donate on behalf of their children. Additionally, I urge the leaders of the laity at the parish and sub-parish levels to mobilise Christians right from the grassroots,” he stated.
"Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere has appointed us as ambassadors of SAAFU, and this year, we are committed to the project for a house for elderly and sick priests. The modern, specialised house located in Bweya, Kajjansi Town Council, will serve as our signature project and true legacy upon concluding our term of office. Therefore, we must work diligently to ensure its successful completion," stated Mwaka.
The Christians from Wakiso Parish (who donated sh30m) with their parish priest, Fr. Ronnie Mubiru (wearing a green chasuble), during the function. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)
During the event, a total of 163 million shillings was collected from various Catholic parishes within the Wakiso vicariate. Major donations came from Gayaaza parish, which contributed 40 million shillings; St. Jude Wakiso with 30 million shillings; Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Namugongo with 16 million shillings; Jinja-Karooli parish with 11 million shillings; Kireka parish with 5 million shillings; Nabitalo parish with 5.5 million shillings; and the Pious Union of the Brides of the Lamb with 500,000 shillings.
Fr. Timothy Lukananso, the Director of SAAFU, expressed his profound gratitude to the Christians for their generous contributions.