The Kigezi Kampala Catholic Residents Association (KKCRA) raised over 200 million shillings in cash and pledges during a fundraising event held over the weekend in support of the 2024 Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) drive. The funds will go toward completing the construction of a commercial building in Kabale Town, with a goal of raising 1.5 billion shillings for the project.
The event was part of the celebrations marking Gaudate Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, held at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo. In his homily, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira emphasized the joy that Christ brings to believers as they await His coming. Quoting John 15:5, Bishop Callist reminded the congregation that without Christ’s intervention, there is no success or progress. He urged Christians to use their spiritual senses to recognize Christ’s constant presence in their lives.
Bishop Callist expressed his gratitude to the KKCRA for their ongoing support and unity, particularly for their efforts in nurturing the faith of children. He commended the introduction of Sunday School programs and encouraged all parishes in the Kabale Diocese to adopt similar initiatives, as they are key to helping children grow in faith and contribute to the Church’s future.
“The children are the hope and joy of the Church. Help them live and inherit what we cherish,” Bishop Callist said.
The Mass was animated by children of Catholics from Kabale Diocese, residing and working in greater Kampala. They participated in various liturgical roles, including readings and the offertory procession. The children also took the opportunity to thank the Bishop for his pastoral visit and his support for their spiritual development. Each of the 300 children present received a Rosary blessed by the Bishop.
Narcis Rwangoga, Chairperson of KKCRA, thanked Bishop Callist for his visit and for celebrating Mass with the community. He highlighted the community’s fundraising efforts, which included a fundraising dinner at Hotel Africana that raised 95 million shillings and a marathon aimed at raising awareness for the BAAF. The total amount raised for BAAF Kampala stood at 209,962,500 shillings, with 143,322,500 in cash and 64,640,000 in pledges.
Muko Parish was declared the winner of the 2024 Kampala BAAF, having raised 14.7 million shillings, followed by Nyarushanje Parish with 14.2 million shillings and Rushoroza Cathedral with 10.7 million shillings.
The 2024 BAAF drive will conclude on January 11, 2025, at Rushoroza Cathedral, after which construction of the commercial building will begin.
“Today, we celebrate a three-fold function: contributing to the BAAF, welcoming our Bishop on his annual pastoral visit, and celebrating the children as we close the year,” Rwangoga remarked.
Among the distinguished guests at the event was Ninsiima Evelyne Kikafunda, President of Green Environment Promotion (GEP), who contributed 1 million shillings and commended the KKCRA for grooming children to become future leaders.
Counsel Kiconco Patrick Katabazi, who also contributed 5 million shillings, praised the community for its support and the Church’s contribution to various projects under BAAF.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance and MP for Kinkizi East, congratulated the KKCRA leadership for their effective coordination and mobilization efforts. He praised the collaboration between the Catholic Church and the government, particularly in advancing poverty alleviation initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM). Dr. Baryomunsi contributed 2 million shillings and pledged to mobilize fellow Kigezi politicians to participate in the liturgy next year.
As the event concluded, the KKCRA community expressed their gratitude for the support they received and looked forward to the successful completion of the BAAF project, which will benefit the Church and the wider community.
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