MBARARA: The Vice President Jessica Alupo has commended the church for its role in shaping Ugandans into responsible citizens and empowering them to improve their livelihoods.
The retired Major recognized the church’s efforts in establishing schools, health facilities, and other projects that supplement government services, as well as its role in extending financial support to communities across the country.
“The government appreciates the church’s efforts in nurturing believers spiritually and guiding them to become responsible members of society,” Alupo stated.
“Through various outreach programs, the church has positively impacted communities by promoting personal and economic development,”
Alupo emphasized the importance of hard work and wealth creation, urging Ugandans to engage in gainful employment and focus on income-generating activities.
He highlighted the ongoing parish development model campaign and other government initiatives aimed at poverty eradication.
The vice president made the remarks during the launch of the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Foundation, a visionary initiative that bridges faith and action to uplift communities.
The foundation embodies collective commitment to translating spiritual values into tangible progress—aligning with Uganda’s broader goals of socio-economic transformation, as championed by His Excellency the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Alupo stressed that the Church has long been a cornerstone of Uganda’s development, complementing Government efforts in education, Healthcare, and Social welfare.
“From founding schools like those under the Catholic Church’s stewardship to mobilizing communities for peace and reconciliation, faith-based institutions have proven indispensable,” she said.
“Today, we formalize this partnership through AMDEF, ensuring that religious institutions have the resources to scale their impact on schools, on agriculture, on health services, development of society and other services that the church offer to our country,” she said.
Call to Action
Alupo, who doubles as the woman MP for Katakwi district asked religious leaders to ensure that AMDEF empowers their missions without diluting their spiritual mandate because that is their role number one.
“If you empower our people spiritually you are sure other things including AMDEF will be catered for even much better,” she emphasized.
She called upon individuals and Organizations to donate generously to AMDEF’s fundraising campaign and support the foundation’s noble cause.
Alupo delivered a cash contribution of Shs50m from President Museveni and Shs20m on her own behalf towards the construction of an Shs8.53billion business centre to enhance self-reliance and community outreach.
“I therefore encourage you to continue standing firm and walking the journey so that you can continue sowing the seeds of AMDEF,” she urged.
She further called upon Government Agencies to collaborate and support AMDEF’s initiatives, leveraging their collective resources and expertise to maximize impact.
To the Community: the vice president urged the public to participate actively in this noble endeavor, volunteering time, expertise, and resources to support AMDEF’s mission.
In the words of His Excellency the President, Alupo said, “The fundamentals of life—shelter, food, and defense—are the bedrock of society”.
AMDEF is more than a financial undertaking; it is a covenant to uplift every Ugandan, rooted in our shared values of service and solidarity. Together, let us build a Uganda where faith and development walk hand in hand the vice president said.
Deputy speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who chairs the Foundation, said AMDEF would now hold annual fundraisers to sustain key church activities without financial anxiety.
We want to build an endowment that will secure the diocese’s ability to serve the poor, educate our children, support the clergy, and spread the gospel,” Tayebwa said.
“Even the smallest contribution from ordinary Christians is very significant. AMDEF is a prophetic initiative-a bridge between our faith and the sustainability of our Church”.
Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha expressed gratitude towards the Vice President for loving the church and supporting the Kingdom of God.
He applauded members of the Foundation, all contributors, including MPs and local government leaders, for their united support.
He used the same occasion to call for peace and unity as Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections.
