BAAF RUKIGA DISTRICT RAISES 181M

A total of 181 million shillings was collected both in cash and pledges on Saturday, October 26, 2024, during the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) 2024 fundraising for Rukiga district at a function was held at St. Mark Kamwezi Catholic Parish in Kamwezi sub county Rukiga District.

While preaching during the Eucharist celebration of Mass, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese encouraged Christians to use their God-given gifts and talents in order to support others, so as to fulfil the Lord’s law. Bishop Callist urged the congregation to celebrate each other’s successes and be there for each other in order to foster a sense of community well-being. He expressed his belief that by nurturing their talents and supporting one another, individuals could live fulfilling lives and contribute positively to society. He thanked counsel Kiconco Patrick Katabazi for accepting to officiate as chief guest at BAAF Rukiga District and for his generous contribution. He invited all the people of God to BAAF climax which will be on January 11, 2025 at Rushoroza Cathedral.

The Rubanda District Woman MP, Hon. Prossy Akampurira thanked Bishop Callist Rubaramira for being a role model in development with different projects established using BAAF and championing strategies for financial sustainability in Kabale Diocese. She urged Christians to get involved in government programs, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM) and advised those who have already received PDM funds to use them responsibly, cautioning against their misappropriation.

Hon. Kabahenda Flavia Rwabuhoro, woman MP for Kyegerwa district and Chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Social Protection thanked Bishop Callist Rubaramira and Christians in Kabale Diocese for being champions of development and financial sustainability. She contributed 1 million and delivered a contribution of 5 million shillings from the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Social Protection towards BAAF 2024 in Rukiga District.

In his remarks as Guest of Honor, Counsel Kiconco Patrick Katabazi, encouraged Christians to participate actively in government programs like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga which are geared towards reducing poverty. He noted that a significant portion of the population, approximately 20%, still lives below the poverty line, which poses a major challenge to  economic development.

Mr. Kiconco Patrick Katabazi emphasized the importance of investing in children’s education as a means of securing a brighter future, while also highlighting ongoing efforts in Rukiga District to improve healthcare, enabling residents to stay healthy and fully engage in agricultural activities. He thanked Kabale Diocese for the accountability of funds collected through BAAF drive over the years which has led to establishment of various projects e.g Radio Maria (2017), Centenary Bank Kisoro (2018), Centenary Bank Kabale (2021), Centenary Bank Rukungiri (2022), St Ignatius University Kabale (2023) among others. He contributed 70 million shillings towards the BAAF 2024 Rukiga District and promised to continue supporting the Diocese to realize their it’s goals.

The BAAF 2024 aims at completion of the commercial building in Kigongi Ward, Kabale Municipality on plot 10, Kabale-Mbarara road. BAAF will continue in other districts that cover Kabale Diocese (Kisoro on November 2, Rukungiri on November 9, Kabale on November 17, Rubanda on November 24, Kanungu on December 1) as well as Kampala on December 15.