KABALE – Rt Rev Callistus Rubaramira, the Bishop of Kabale Diocese has on September 7, announced the creation of a new Muhanga Catholic Parish in Rukiga district with the intention of bringing church services closer to the Catholics in the area, this move is also aimed at strengthening the Catholic faith and mobilizing Christians.
Speaking on behalf of the government, the Minister of State for Housing Dr. Chris Baryomunsi asked religious leaders to use their pulpits to sensitize Christians on the need to embrace government programs like Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) for their social economical development.
“We are greatly ready to work hand in hand with the church to implement Government programs such as OWC so that we can reach out to a good number of Ugandans who turn up for services to get to know about developing their household incomes” Baryomunsi disclosed.
Dr. Baryomunsi used the same occasion to reiterate government’s commitment to pay the tea nursery bed operators in Kigezi region in a bid to fight poverty in their homesteads.
“However NAADS seemed reluctant but am greatly honoured to tell you that the Kigezi region tea nursery bed operators are soon receiving their monies from the government for the supplies they made previously,” Minister Baryomunsi clarified.
Dr. Baryomunsi’s words come at the backdrop of a case in which the operators went to court protesting Government’s failure to pay them close to UGX 842 billion for the tea seedlings they supplied for the last three years under NAADS.
The operators are from the districts of Rukungiri, Kanungu, Greater Kabale and Kisoro.
Rt Rev Callistus Rubaramira made the announcement on Saturday during the mass to commemorate the second annual Kabale Diocesan Family Day which was animated by Nyakibale deanery at Rushoroza Cathedral in Kabale municipality.
This brings the total number of parishes in Kabale Diocese to 34 in seven deaneries.
Themed “am the vine, you’re my branches” which is a scripture derived from John 15:5, this year’s family day was meant to bring together Catholics in the diocese to share, eat, celebrate and renew their faith.
Rt Rev Callistus Rubaramira used the day to remind catholic believers to work for heavenly honours which are eternal unlike the earthly ones that are time-bound.
The Bishop castigated the Christians who meander through different religions which he said will ruin their lives thus urging them to renew their commitment with the Almighty and to serve Him wholeheartedly.
“Some of you have turned into multiple religious denomination subscribers which he said isn’t good to the Catholics. Stay set and believe that the Almighty will find you in your position,” Rt Rev Rubaramira advised.
The function was graced by a number of dignitaries including; Bishop Joseph Mbatia from Nyahururu diocese in Kenya, Honorable Members of Parliament; Mary Paula Turyahikayo of Rubabo constituency, Shadow State Attorney General Wilfred Niwagaba, Betty Bamukwatsa Muzanira Rukungiri district Woman MP, Henry Musasizi Rubanda East Constituency, Denis Sabiti Rubanda West constituency, Prossy Akampurira Rubanda District Woman MP, Catherine Atwakiire Ndamara the woman MP for Kabale District among others.