A total of 1.9 billion shillings was announced as the overall fund collected during the 2024 Kabale Diocese Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF). The climax of this year’s campaign was held at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral BAAF Grounds, with a large turnout of Christians, politicians, and well-wishers.
Championed by the Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, BAAF is an annual event aimed at funding key development projects across the Diocese. Fundraising efforts begin at various deaneries and organized groups, culminating in a grand event at the Diocese Headquarters.
The Chief Guest, Vice President Maj. Rtd. Jessica Alupo, was represented by Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance. The function was presided over by Bishop Rubaramira, who commended the Christians for their dedication and unity in supporting the Church’s development initiatives.
Hon. Prossy Akampulira Mbabazi, Rubanda District Woman MP, praised Bishop Rubaramira for his commitment to poverty eradication in the Kigezi region. “The Bishop is complementing the government’s efforts to fight poverty. Let us all focus on household-level poverty eradication as we begin the new year,” she said.
In his address, State Minister for Finance incharge of General Duties, Hon. Henry Musasizi, highlighted the pressing need for poverty alleviation in the region. “Government statistics reveal a poverty rate of 27% in the Kigezi Sub-Region, higher than the national rate of 21%. Religious leaders must collaborate with the government to mobilize the populace towards embracing poverty alleviation programs,” he noted.
Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi echoed this sentiment, announcing President Yoweri Museveni’s upcoming visit to the Kigezi Sub-Region to monitor the performance of poverty eradication initiatives, including the Parish Development Model. He urged Christians to remain united during this political season and participate in the voter register verification exercise beginning January 20, 2025.
Alex Baguma, Chairperson of the BAAF Central Organizing Committee, emphasized that the initiative is about more than raising funds—it’s about transforming lives and fostering development. “The BAAF is not just a fundraiser; it’s a drive to make a tangible difference in the lives of Christians and to support development in the Diocese. I thank everyone who has taken part in this noble cause,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Callist Rubaramira expressed gratitude to the Christians for their unwavering support. He revealed plans for BAAF 2025 to focus on parish-level projects, enabling local communities to tackle their development needs. “The Diocese-level campaign will resume in 2026”, he said.
This year’s BAAF targeted 1.5 billion shillings to complete a commercial building in Kabale Town. The campaign exceeded expectations, raising 1.9 billion through activities held across the six districts of the Kigezi Sub-Region.
Since its inception, BAAF has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the renovation of Rushoroza Cathedral in 2014, the construction of Centenary Bank buildings in Kisoro and Rukungiri, the establishment of Radio Maria Uganda Kabale, and the launch of St. Ignatius University Kabale in 2023.
With the success of the 2024 campaign, Kabale Diocese continues to demonstrate the power of collective action in driving development and fostering unity.
ENDS///
