''Support refurbishment of Uganda Martyrs' Shrines''

By Mathias Mazinga

“The refurbishment of the Catholic Martyrs Shrines at Namugongo and Munyonyo is a responsibility of all Ugandans,” Vision Group Chief Executive Officer, Robert Kabushenga, has told the Rotarians of Muyenga Rotary Club.

Speaking during the Rotarians’ weekly fellowship on Wednesday, Kabushenga asked the Rotarians and all Ugandans of good will to contribute money towards the Martyrs’ shrines redevelopment project, saying the redeveloped shrines will add religious and economic benefits.

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Vision Group circulation manager, Joseph Lwanga (right)  sells a martyrs' walk ticket to one of the Rotarians

“Dear Rotarians, I ask you to help me, to get the money for the refurbishment of Namugongo and other Martyrs Shrines, the special gifts that Uganda will give to the world. Buy the tickets for the Pope Walk, which will take place on October 31. Each ticket goes for sh10,000. You can also book for the special souvenir Rosaries, which will be delivered from Rome, any time. The Rosaries go for a premium price of sh100,000. Please buy as many Rosaries and tickets as possible.”

“If you don’t believe in the religious benefits of the shrines, at least be assured of the immense economic benefits that are associated with any place of heritage. Mecca gets 4,000,000 (four million) pilgrims, who pay $300 each, annually. Israel also collects $2bn (two billion dollars) from the tourists who visit Bethlehem. So, further to the heavenly blessings, Uganda will also reap big economically, from the tourists that the refurbished shrines will attract,” Kabushenga said.

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Vision Grouo CEO Robert Kabushenga cuts a cake with the Rotarians of Muyenga

“Today all eyes are focusing on the White House. On November 27, all eyes will be on Uganda. This will be Pope Francis’ first time to say mass in Africa. We must thus prepare ourselves holistically for this historic pontifical visit. We can collect the money we need to restore our shrines. We still need about sh27bn (twenty-seven billion) for Namugongo shrine and about sh10bn (ten billion) for Munyonyo shrine.”

Making reference to the African traditional society, where maintenance of a visitor was the responsibility of all the villagers, Kabushenga asked all Ugandans, irrespective of their age, socio-economic status or political affiliation, to donate money towards the redevelopment of the shrines.

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Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga third left receives a certificate of appreciation from Rotarian, Stephen Mwanje as Rotarians Francis Mukasa looks on


“I am not a Catholic myself. But all I know is that I am doing God's work. I am also accountable to him. If I don’t do what I must do, God will put it to me to explain.”

Kabushenga addressed the Rotarians of Muyenga in the company of Vision Group circulation manager, Joseph Lwanga, who sold out a number of Pope Walk tickets to the Rotarians.

During the same Rotary fellowship, Kabushenga gave certificates to 46 youths, who participated in a weeklong employable/entrepreneurial skills training programme. The training, Rotary Vijana Poa (Swahili for youth are okay), was organised by the Rotary Club of Muyenga.

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Robert Kabushenga hands out certificates to the participants of the Vijana Poa entrepreneurial training programme

The coordinator of the programme, Shubey Nantege explained that the programme trainees were basically selected unemployed youths from the suburbs of Kampala, whom they taught modules like team dynamics, communication skills, self management, financial literacy, employability and entrepreneurial skills.

Kabushenga asked the trainees not to lament and blame government for their socio-economic problems, but to work hard to attain success.

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Robert Kabushenga at the exhibition of the Rotary Vijana Poa entrepreneurial training programme at international hotel Muyenga

 “You will not attain success if you keep lamenting and blaming others for your problems. What will help you to succeed is your imagination. Imagination is greater than knowledge. Nobody owes you a living, not even your parents or government. The power to succeed is with you. Therefore, go out with the determination to succeed,” Kabushenga said.

Kabushenga later asked the elite to buy locally made products as a way of supporting the young entrepreneurs.

The president of Muyenga Rotary Club, Francis Mukasa and the Past District Governor, Arch Klumph Emmanuel Katongole graced the fellowship.

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Robert Kabushenga interacts with some of the participants of the Rotary Vijana Poa entrepreneurial training programme


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