The Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Serverus Jjumba, has challenged Catholics hailing from the diocese and living in the Kampala Metropolitan Area to support infrastructure development projects in their home diocese.
Bishop Jjumba made the remarks on, while presiding as the main celebrant at a special Mass organised by the Kampala Masaka Catholic Community Association. The event was held at Ddungu Gardens in Nsambya, Makindye Division.
The Mass, which is held periodically, brings together Catholics from the 16 parishes of Masaka Diocese to discuss ways of raising funds to support the welfare of their members as well as the diocese’s infrastructure development agenda.
The bishop told the congregation that they need to intensify efforts to raise UGX 10 billion to support the completion of the foundation of the diocese’s five-storey signature cathedral project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
He appreciated the association for consistently responding to his appeals for financial and logistical support towards the running of the diocese, saying their commitment should be emulated by other stakeholders.
The outgoing Managing Director of Centenary Bank, Dr. Fabian Kasi, whose institution is actively supporting infrastructure projects in the diocese, commended the strong working relationship between the bank and the Church. He pledged to further strengthen the partnership for the benefit of the communities they serve.
The Chairperson of the Kampala Masaka Catholic Community Association, Mpagi Masembe Dominico, thanked Bishop Jjumba for sparing time to visit his flock, saying the gesture inspires members to work harder towards the development of both the Church and the Christian community.
He reminded the congregation that the journey to develop the Ddungu Gardens project began several years ago with the support of the late Bishop John Bosco Kaggwa, who encouraged them to embrace unity and hard work if they were to achieve their vision.
Masembe noted that the facility is currently generating income through the rental of the gardens and event spaces. He added that the association is determined to ensure that its flagship project of constructing a six-storey commercial complex becomes a reality in the near future.
He commended members for consistently responding to appeals to support both the diocese and the association’s local welfare initiatives. He urged those who have not yet joined the association to emulate its members by becoming stakeholders in programmes and projects that benefit the community.
