A total of 68 million UGX in both cash and pledges was raised today at the 29th anniversary of St. Luke, Butobere Church of Uganda as a Parish in the Central Division of Kabale Municipality, Kabale District. This event was dedicated to the purchase of a coaster bus and was presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna.
St. Luke, Butobere Church of Uganda, currently under All Saints Kabale Archdeaconry in the Diocese of Kigezi, was founded in the 1950’s under Bugongi Church of Uganda, now St. John’s Bugongi, by local people in Nyakahita, Kigongi, next to the family of the late Kabariga. It began as a mere gathering of local people and was later led by the late Zaburoni Muhindi, the first lay leader of the church in 1954.
The church was elevated to “Omuruka” level status in 1979 and subsequently birthed Nyakijumba Church of Uganda in 1981, which became a parish in 1995. It also established Makanga Church of Uganda in 2022.
Preaching during the function, Bishop Akanjuna, who served at the same church as a priest from 1995 to 2001, encouraged Christians to always appreciate humble beginnings, acknowledging how the church started in a temporary mud plastered structure. He further commended those who united in efforts to establish and develop the church, thanking both the living and the deceased for their contributions.
Bishop Akanjuna, who also served as the church’s Archdeacon when still at All Saints, praised the church for its united efforts in focusing on the purchase of a coaster bus, urging them to consider its proper maintenance for the church’s development. He also called upon them to prioritize peace and love within their families and friends, showcasing Jesus’ way for a better society.
Canon Johnson Barintuma Munono, the Head of Laity in the Diocese of Kigezi, representing the Guest of Honor Rt. Hon. Emeritus Ruhakana Rugunda and other leaders Hon. David Bahati, and Hon. Andrew Baryayanga Andrew Aja, urged Christians to always be thankful to God through such functions.
He appreciated the church for considering the purchase of the bus at their 29th anniversary and contributed 2 million UGX towards its purchase. He also presented pledges from the leaders he represented: Hon. Rugunda 5 million UGX, Hon. Bahati 2 million UGX, and Hon. Aja 2 million UGX.
A team from the Butobere Church Kampala Chapter, led by their president Fred Tumwesigye, also graced the function with a contribution of approximately 47 million UGX in both cash and pledges, leaving behind 9 million UGX in cash. They requested the church to always consider them for future projects.
In an interview, Safari Vivian, a church synod member and chairperson of the coaster bus committee, revealed that they initially planned to buy a coaster bus and as of to date, they have approximately 125 million UGX. He stated that their target is to raise 180 million UGX and called upon the Christians to support them in achieving this mission.
The function, which attracted hundreds of Christians, also saw the presence of politicians, including the Kabale Municipality Mayor Sentaro Byamugisha, Central Division Chairperson Sam Alinaitwe, and aspirants Enid Origumisiriza and Wilbroad Rwamunahe, among others.
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