Pope fundraising to start in Kampala churches

By Hilary Bainemigisha

KAMPALA - Over 100 people have paid to book holy rosaries that Vision Group is selling to raise money for the redevelopment of Namugongo. And many more have registered to participate in a Walk to Namugongo scheduled for October 31.

The crusade was announced by Vision Group Chief Executive Officer, Robert Kabushenga, to spread the opportunity of contributing to this noble cause to all Ugandans.

Namugongo shrine and grounds are being redeveloped into a mega user-friendly pilgrimage site. And the phase one construction has to be done by November when Pope Francis visits the country.

Kabushenga was appointed by the Archbishop of Kampala Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga to the Finance and Construction committee of Pope Francis' visit in November.

Starting Sunday, Vision Group members will be moving around Catholic parishes in Kampala registering those who want to participate in the papal walk or to book the limited edition rosaries from the Vatican, specially blessed by the pope.

"The 10,000 rosaries, with a picture of Pope Francis and Namugongo Martyrs shrine will be blessed by Pope Francis and will be sold at sh100, 000 each. We shall raise sh10b," said Kabushenga.

 "We have started registering people," Joseph Lwanga, Vision Group's circulation manager, said. "Those who register will be given first priority. Once we get 10,000 people, we shall close."
 

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From left, Msgr John Wynand Katende, Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga and Enginerr Balimwezo Nsubuga at the Namugongo site. (Credit: Juliet Lukwago)

According to Lwanga, the Walk to Namugongo will start from Kololo Airstrip and go through Nakawa, Mbuya (Kinawataka), Kireka ,Kyaliwajala and Namugongo – a journey of 13.3km.

 "It will be a multi-denomination walk. Walkers pay sh10,000," Lwanga said. "Public transport will be organised to bring the walkers back to Kololo."

All payment will be through New Vision offices in Kampala, Arua, Mbarara, Lira and Soroti.

Selected agents at Vision outlets will also receive the money and receipt it. You can also pay through Stanbic Bank Uganda in the names of New Vision Printing and Publishing Company Limited, Account Number: 9030005950421. Swift code: SBICUGKX, Sort code: 040147 and Branch: City branch.

Write 'Rosary' or 'Walk' depending on what you are paying for.

You can also pay by Mobile Money and MSente.

The names of people who will buy the rosary or/and walk will be recorded for display after the campaign is concluded.