Kotido Diocese needs sh378m for Martyrs Day preps

By Juliet Lukwago               

The Catholic Diocese of Kotido needs over sh378m to prepare for the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations due on June 3, 2014 at Namugongo shrines.

Vicar General of Kotido diocese, Fr Phillip Lokel and Fr Raphael Lobeerei, Chairperson of Liturgy committee, revealed this during organizing committee meeting held at Nsambya Secretariat.

They said that the budget that needs a total of sh378m will be spent on pastoral and liturgical, public address system, electricity, transport , banners, decoration, catering, pilgrims’ accommodation, medical, protocol, construction/decoration, water and sanitation.

He said that as the rotational leadership of the celebrations this year falls to their Diocese (Kotido), the Christians should contribute as much as possible to hit the target.

He asked the people to make their contribution to treasurer general, MP Kaboong, Rose Lily Akello or information communication on MTN Mobile Money Account in names of Kotido Catholic diocese 0785288640 respectively or deposit the money in Centenary Bank A/C No6210400001 Kotido branch under Kotido Catholic diocese/Namugongo Pilgrimage.

However, Lokel said that despite being confident and hopeful for success, the organizing committee is faced with challenges including financial constraints considering that time is running out very fast.

Fr Lokel said that the day’s theme will be: "The Uganda Martyrs: An Example of True Christian Witness and Good Citizenship.”

Minister the State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Simon Peter Lokodo, the chairman Kotido protocol organizing committee, asked the people who could contribute materially to come forward to help towards the preparations.

The General Secretary of Episcopal Conference, Msgr John Baptist Kauta said that preparations at the diocese and national levels were in high gear to ensure that the celebrations are held in the most dignified, appropriate and deserving manner that gives God all the highest praise He deserves from his creation.

The meeting was attended by Members of Parliament from Kotido, including Aleper Margaret Anchilla, Micheal Ayepa, Samson Lokevis, Peter Ibrahim Lokii and priests, lay people and central organizing committee Kampala Archdiocese.