A fundraising drive has today been launched for collecting resources towards establishment of St. Ignatius University Kabale (Iguka), one of the projects of Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) Kabale. A total cash of 171.075.400= and a pledge 30.758.100 has been raised by BAAF Kabale district.
In his homily during Mass at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral, Rt Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese said that we should happy to be here as St. Peter in the gospel of Matthew was amazed having been at the hill of the transfiguration. He urged the faithful to keep their faith always and not taking it for granted.
There are many voices in our lives, but don’t be swayed and be taken by every voice you hear. God’s voice is distinct. Therefore, do not allow to be tempted, but call on Jesus and renew your faith in him always – Bishop Callist Rubaramira.
He also hailed the honorable MPs and other invited guests for attending the Mass where this year’s BAAF is aimed at supporting the Diocese in raising funds to establish St Ignatius University Kabale. He announced that this was just the start because each district will hold its collection on the following dates: Kampala (18th-20th August), Rubanda (10th September), Kisoro (14th October), Rukiga (21st October), Rukungiri (28th October), Kanungu (5th November) and the climax will be on 25th November 2023.
Mr Alex Baguma, the chairperson BAAF Kabale district who is also director of Kabale Brainstorm High School welcomed all the people of God for coming saying that the BAAF in Kabale district has a target of 500M. He urgesd people to contribute generously so that the university can take off as soon as possible.
Hon Catherine Ndamira Atwakiire, the Kabale District Woman MP used the occasion to inform the congregation that international youth day is celebrated on August 12th each year and this year’s national celebrations will be hosted by Kabale district. But the government never wanted to clash with Kabale Diocese since it will be having ordinations to priesthood and deaconate on that day. The government was advised to shift the national Youths day to 18th August. She also called upon parents to work hard and educate their children and exploit the chance of the available university that is being fundraised for (St. Ignatius University Kabale) especially that it is bring established within their reach. She contributed 1M cash to every parish (five parishes) in Kabale district towards the BAAF project and 1M cash to Bukinda parish of Rukiga district where Kaharo sub county is located, though it is in Kabale district making a total of 6M in total.
Hon. Alex Niyonsaba of Bufumbira South contributed 2M, Hon Kamara Nicholas of Kabale Municipality, hailed the bishop for supporting education in the diocese and in the nation. He also contributed 4M towards the establishment of St. Ignatius University Kabale. Hon Niwagaba Wilfred, the chairman Land Board Kabale Diocese who is also the Ndorwa East constituency MP extended his appreciation to the Bishop for the University project and pledged to always support it. Hon Niwagaba contributed 5M to each of three parishes in Ndorwa East constituency (Maziba, Buhara and Rushoroza), making a total of 15M in cash.
State Minister for Finance Planning and Economic Development in charge of General Duties Hon. Henry Musasizi Ariganyira, who is also the Rubanda East constituency MP, representing the guest of Honor (Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy speaker of Ugandan Parliament) welcomed all the guests and thanked the Bishop for starting the university. He assured the Christian of Kabale Diocese that the President ordered for the completion of roads in Kabale district especially Rushoroza road under USMID but contracted by Multiplex company. Hon Musasizi also called upon Christians to embrace government programs like PDM where each parish received 100M to boost household incomes for the 39% of Ugandans who still survive on subsistence farming. He appreciated his fellow MPs from Kigezi for the collaboration and thanked Bishop Callist for his initiative of BAAF projects from which the diocese is developing. Hon. Musasizi delivered a cash contribution of 20M from the Guest of Honor (Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa), and also a personal contribution of 10M.
Other dignitaries present were Nelson Nshangabashaija, L.C. 5 chairman for Kabale District and his counterpart Mr. Ampeire Stephen Kasyaba for Rubanda District, Godfrey Nyakahuma, the RDC Kabale district and his counterpart Isaiah Kanyamahane for Kamwenge district, Mr. Sentaro Byamugisha, Mayor Kabale Municipality, Mr. Tumukwasiibwe Nicodemus Odo, the chairman laity of Kabale Diocese, Dr. Peter Ngategize the chairman BAAF steering committee of Kabale Diocese, Mr. Peter Niwagaba a prominent businessman in Kigezi among other dignitaires.