FORT PORTAL CITY | The Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Semogerere, has commended Catholic Christians from Fort Portal Diocese living in the Kampala Metropolitan area for their continued support toward the education of priests at major seminaries.
Archbishop Semogerere made the remarks during the 85th anniversary celebrations of St. Augustine Chapel Makerere, where he also presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the chapel complex. The proposed project is estimated at UGX 2 billion.
He was the main celebrant at the colorful event held at Makerere University Freedom Square, which was presided over by Uganda’s Vice President, Jessica Alupo.
The Archbishop’s remarks were inspired by a donation of UGX 5 million from members of KEJI-FODA—an association bringing together Catholics from Fort Portal Diocese residing in Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, and surrounding areas.
The Association’s Head of Projects, Robert Owinyi, handed over the contribution and expressed gratitude for the longstanding relationship with St. Augustine Chapel, which has hosted the group for over 30 years.
“We are extending this humble donation as part of Phase One support to St. Augustine Chapel and pledge to provide further technical and logistical assistance towards this noble fundraising drive,” Owinyi said, referring to the UGX 2 billion expansion project.
He explained that KEJI-FODA brings together Catholics from Fort Portal Diocese who convene every first Sunday of the month at St. Augustine Chapel to discuss development initiatives affecting their members both in Kampala and back home.
Owinyi, a founding member of the association, noted that KEJI-FODA has existed for over three decades, with a strong focus on education. The association has supported the academic advancement of its members and contributed significantly to the training of priests from Fort Portal Diocese through sponsorships in major seminaries.
“Back home in Fort Portal, we support diocesan development projects whenever called upon by the Bishop,” he added.
In Kampala, the Diocese allocated KEJI-FODA a plot of land in Nsambya, where the association plans to construct a five-storey commercial arcade with accommodation and shops. The project is intended to generate income to sustain the association’s activities and enhance support to the Diocese.
To strengthen member welfare, the association has also established a SACCO and a benevolent fund. Members contribute annually to support one another, particularly in times of bereavement.
“We encourage members to join and plan for their families in case of any eventualities,” Owinyi emphasized.
KEJI-FODA members are organized according to their home parishes and continue to hold their monthly gatherings at St. Augustine Chapel’s Students’ Hall. Once the Nsambya project is completed, the association plans to establish its own hall, which will also serve as a chapel.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Episcopal Conference recently appointed Fredrick Tusingire as Executive Secretary of the Lay Apostolate Department. The appointment was warmly welcomed, with congratulations extended to him upon assuming the new role.
