A total of 1.9 billion shillings was announced as the overall total fund collected during the 2024 Kabale Diocesan Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF). The climax of this year’s campaign was held at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral grounds, with a large gathering of Christians, politicians, and well-wishers.
Introduced in 2009 by 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 from the Small Christian Communities to parish level and parishes in each district come together in one function and present their collections and this is culminated in a grand event at the Diocesan headquarters at Rushoroza.
The Chief Guest, Vice President Maj. Rtd. Jessica Alupo, was represented by Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance contributed 30 million shillings towards the BAAF drive. The function was presided over by Bishop Rubaramira, who commended the Christians for their dedication, generously and unified willingness in supporting the development plans of their Diocese.
Preaching during Mass, Rev. Fr. Kiiza Justus Lucas, parish priest of Nyamwegabira parish and Dean of Makiro deanery in Kanungu district reminded Christians that it’s their obligation to support their Diocese. He thanked Bishop callist for his teaching during his BAAF sensitizations that Christians should stop fighting for what is there, but instead fight to put what is not there.
Quoting Proverbs 13:20, Fr. Kiiza said that a good person leaves behind an inheritance for his children and grand a children, and that is exactly what Bishop Callist is doing through BAAF projects in order to leave an inheritance for the Diocese.
Through BAAF, Bishop Callist is teaching us by leaving behind an inheritance in form of wisdom (St. Ignatius University Kabale), faith (Radio Maria), savings (Centenary Bank), good health (hospitals) among others – Fr. Kiiza Justus Lucas.
In his address, State Minister for Finance incharge of General Duties, Hon. Henry Musasizi thanked Bishop Callist Rubaramira for the initiative of BAAF every year so that a project can be established for the Diocese every year and pledged to continue supporting the development of Kabale Diocese. He highlighted the pressing need for poverty alleviation in the region. He noted that government statistics reveal a poverty rate of 27% in the Kigezi Sub-Region, higher than the national rate of 21%, thereby calling on religious leaders to collaborate with the government and mobilize and sensitize people towards embracing poverty alleviation programs.
He outlined the different areas of emphasis which government is making a priority and these include Parish Development Model (PDM), extension of electricity at affordable price, establishment of irrigation systems, strengthening defense and security, establishment of schools and hospitals and equipping them. He appreciated the government for tarmacking Rushoroza road and contributed 10 million shillings towards the drive.
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 thanked the good work done by Catholic Church in serving the people of God e.g education, health, clean water among others all in supporting the government. He warned against discrimination based on religion which retards regional development and appreciated the Moslem fraternity for their solidarity. He urged Christians to remain united during this political season and participate in the voter register verification and registration exercise beginning January 20, 2025.
Other dignitaries present at BAAF climax included Hon. Nicholas Kamara (MP Kabale Municipality), Hon. Catherine Ndamira (Woman MP Kabale District), Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba (MP Ndorwa East), Hon. Prossy Akampurira (Woman MP Rubanda district), Mr. Ampaire Stephen Kasyaba (L.C 5 Rubanda), Mr. Nelson Nashangabashaija (L.C.5 Kabale), Sheikh Kassim Kamugisha (deputy RDC Wakiso district), Godfrey Nyakahuma (RDC Kabale), Mr. Odo Tumukwasiibwe (chairman Laity, Kabale Diocese) Moslem fraternity, UPDF fraternity among others.
Mr. Alex Baguma, Chairperson of the BAAF Central Organizing Committee, emphasized that the initiative is more than raising funds, but more so 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 – Alex Baguma.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Callist Rubaramira expressed gratitude to the Christians for their unwavering support. He revealed that BAAF 2025 will be on parish level and focus on establishing projects in the 41 parishes of Kabale Diocese, enabling local communities to tackle their development needs and then the campaign will resume in 2026 on Diocesan level.
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 region. The overall district winner was Rukungiri with 307m cash while the overall parish winner was Rushoroza Cathedral Parish with 89m.
Since its inception in 2009, BAAF has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the renovation of Rushoroza Cathedral in 2014, the construction of Centenary Bank buildings in Kisoro, Kabale and Rukungiri in 2015, 2019 and 2021 respectively, construction of a Golden Jubilee building at Rushoroza in 2016, establishment of Radio Maria in 2017, St. Ignatius University Kabale in 2023 while collections for 2024 will complete the commercial building located in Kabale Town on plot 10, along Kabale-Mbarara Road which is a product of the first years of BAAF from 2009-2013.