Rwenzori diocese launches poverty alleviation campaign

KAMPALA - The Synod of Rwenzori diocese has directed all churches within the diocese to spread the gospel of poverty alleviation, one way of developing the communities.

During the synod which is the highest decision-making body of the Church that was held at Canon Apollo Primary Teachers College last week, it was resolved that more emphasis should be put on supporting income generation projects and the Church schools so as to provide quality education.

Bishop Reuben Kisembo said there was a need to the demarcation the Church land as one way of stopping people from encroaching on it.

"It is our role as Church leaders to ensure that the people we are leading are in good health and we are going to put more emphasis on supporting income generation projects in all churches," Kisembo said.

He said the Church land should be used for agricultural production instead of leaving it idle.

"The Church has vast pieces of land which needs to be demarcated and used for commercial agriculture," Kisembo said.

The first session of the 16th diocesan synod also elected Chris Tushabe as the head of the laity for the diocese and Rev. Mike Kitooke as head of the priests.

"We need to spread the gospel of poverty alleviation by encouraging our people to embrace modern agriculture in the whole diocese," Kisembo said.

He said all the parishes within the diocese will establish commercial agricultural farms to complement contributions from Christians to support church projects.

Steven Asiimwe, the Resident District Commissioner (TDC) for Kabarole district appreciated the role of the Church in spearheading the campaign against poverty alleviation.

"We are happy that the Church is supporting the government in fighting poverty among its people," Asiimwe said.