Sh700m needed for installation of new Masaka bishop

RELIGION
 
The Catholic diocese of Masaka needs over sh700m for the celebration of the installation of new bishop Msgr. Serverus Jjumba.
 
This was revealed recently by the retired bishop of Masaka, John Baptist Kaggwa during the fundraising drive at Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala.
 
Kaggwa said three steering committees have been established with the overall committee chairman Fr George William Lubega, Kampala steering committee led by Buganda Minister, Freeman Kiyimba, and Greater Masaka chairman, Prince Walugembe.
 
Bishop Kaggwa said they expect over 25,000 international and local guests that have confirmed the attendance on July 6 at Arena play Ground, Kitovu in Masaka. 
 
Bishop Kaggwa said the fundraising drive is intended to raise about sh700m that is needed to support the organising of the celebrations.
 
Kaggwa said on April 16, Pope Francis accepted his retirement after turning 75 years as church law requires one to retire after 75 and give way for the new bishop Jjumba.  "I am grateful to Pope Francis for giving us a successor; I know he will serve you well." 
 
"The installation will require a lot of funding and it is for that reason that we are gathered here to find support from individuals, schools, banks, institutions, companies and other people of good will to assist in raising sh700m, which is our target. The funds will be used for preparations of the installation of our new bishop," Kaggwa revealed.
 
Kaggwa said  Christians in Masaka are excited and proud of the input of Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) which accepted to reconstruct Kitovu Road in Masaka municipality.

"I want to thank all committees led by different chairpersons including Minister Freeman Kiyimba, which is working very hard to make sure we organize the celebrations successfully," he said.

Joseph Yiga of Steel & Tube Industries Ltd greets retired bishop John Baptist Kaggwa as bishop-elect Msgr. Serverus Jjumba and Regina Yiga look. (Photo by Juliet Lukwago)

He called on the Christians to continue supporting the new bishop, I have no doubt, he will continue to evangelize and he will serve us well.
 
"As diocese administrator now it is my responsibility to organise his installation, but thank you for coming to support us in this noble cause and we ask others to give us a hand in preparations. We expect 25,000 guests from within and abroad. I request each one of you to give a hand to see that we fulfill our budget," Bishop Kaggwa revealed. 
 
Kaggwa said that his not regretting the  24 years he spent in Masaka diocese, he added that they were joyful years, thank you for loving me and accepting me  to be your bishop, I thank the priests, religious, Christians and all people of Masaka from different tribes and religions who helped us a lot in each and everything.
 
The prelate explained Masaka diocese covers nine districts Bukomansimbi, Kalangala, Kalungu, Kyotera, Lwengo, Lyantonde, Masaka, Rakai, and Ssembabule.  Msgr Jjumba comes in as the 5th Bishop since it was established.  
 
Treasurer of the steering committee, Joseph Yiga of Steel and Tubes, revealed that the fundraising raised a total of Sh267m in cash and pledges. The chief fundraiser was Vice-President, Kiwanuka Ssekandi who contributed sh5m.  
 
He added that "we have opened a bank account in Centenary Bank: Account name: Priests Jubilee Masaka Diocese Account number: 3100063821 for the well-wishers."
 
The function was attended by  Bukoto South Member of Parliament, Hajji Muhammad Muyanja Mbabaali  who contributed sh20m, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Vincent Bamulanzeki Ssempijja sh10m,  Managing Director of Steel and Tubes Ltd, Joseph Yiga sh10m, Centenary Bank sh15m, Rotarian and Executive Chairman of Cipla Quality Chemical Industries Limited (CQCIL), Emmanuel Katongole sh10m, Kitovu Old-Boys sh10m, managing director of Omega Construction Company, Eng. Pius Mugalasi sh10m,  and Omulangira Nakibinge sh10m.
 
During the fundraising ceremony, many other people donated and others pledged to contribute money towards the project.
 
Msgr Jjumba thanked the congregation for the strength they have put in organising the celebrations and he requested them to pray for him because he is going to lead a  traditional diocese. Masaka has many people from different tribes and regions. He promised and vowed that he is ready to lead the diocese.
 
Kiyimba said the Kampala committee has been working hard to prepare for a successful installation celebration.
 
Kiyimba thanked Christians and others who contributed and also called upon Christians and well-wishers of Masaka diocese to contribute towards the noble cause. "Our budget still needs more than sh550m, I call on all Ugandans to contribute, and bishop Jjumba is not for Masaka diocese only but for the whole Uganda."