SUCCESSFUL BAAF KANUNGU RAISES OVER 300M AMIDST HEAVY DOWNPOUR

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) Kanungu chapter was held successfully yesterday Sunday, November 5, 2023 with over 300 million shillings raised at Our Lady of Fatima Makiro Parish in Kanungu town amidst heavy downpour. While preaching during Mass which was presided over by Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese. Rev. Fr. Adrian Byomuhangi, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Makiro Parish and Dean of Makiro Deanery reminded the Christians gathered that it was their responsibility to support their Bishop in establishing projects of the Diocese. Fr. Adrian said that the mission of the Catholic Church is the mission of Christ which is to bring Good News to all are read in the Gospel of Luke 4:18-19. Christ said that the Spirit of God is upon him to bring Good News to the poor, proclaim liberty to the captives, recover sight of the blind, set free the oppressed and announce the year when the Lord will save his people.

Fr. Adrian further said that the vision of the Catholic Church is still the vision of Christ which is salvation of souls. Bishop Callist in his wisdom has started St. Ignatius University Kabale in order to deliver people from the bondage of illiteracy and equip them with different skills necessary for improving their on economic standards. Fr. Adrian  appealed to all the Christians and people of good will to gather their resources together as the first Christians of the early church did and support St. Ignatius for the bright future of their children.

The coordinator for BAAF Makiro Deanery, Hon. Jacqueline Kyatuheire who is also the National Vice Treasurer of NRM party thanked the Bishop for thinking about starting St. Ignatius University, a project that will change people’s lives. She delivered 15 million shillings from the NRM secretariat and another 15 million from family and friends. She used the opportunity to thank all parishes in Kanungu District that contributed greatly and the function was crowned with success.  Makiro Deanery is composed of 8 parishes of Makiro, Karambi, Rutenga, Kambuga, Nyamirama, Nyamwegabira, Rushoroza-Kihiihi and Butogota.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister for ICT and National Guidance, also doubling as MP for Kinkinzi East, welcomed Bishop Callist Rubaramira to Makiro Deanery and thanked him for moving all over the Diocese with the aim of raising funds for the establishment of St. Ignatius University Kabale. Quoting the Gospel of Luke 4:17-19, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi said that the work of the church involves preparing people’s lives for heaven, but also help them earn a living while still on earth. He thanked the Catholic Church for the good work done in the field of education and health and said he is proud to be a Catholic because he received education from Catholic founded schools (Kayungwe Primary School for primary education and St. Paul’s Seminary Rushoroza for secondary education). Dr. Baryomunsi contributed 63 million shillings towards BAAF drive. He pledged total support towards  St. Ignatius University using the partnership with other universities.

Other dignitaries present at the function included Mr. Sam Kajojo (Chairperson L.C 5 Kanungu), Gad Rugaju (Deputy RDC Kanung), Hon. Hamlet Kabushenga (former MP Kinkizi East and proprietor of Great Lakes University), Dr. Peter Ngategize (Chairman BAAF 2023) among others.

In his remarks, Bishop Callist Rubaramira showed his gratitude to the chief guest and all parishioners in Kanungu district for their generous support and their endurance of the heavy rain. He reminded them that BAAF fundraising will be crowned on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral.