KABAROLE: The Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has appealed to the clergy country-wide to mobilize parishioners to embrace government initiatives that are aimed at increasing household income.
Alupo said that religious leaders have regular contact with the believers, and this can be taken as an advantage to promote pro-poor government programmes such as the Parish Development model (PDM), Emyooga, GROW, Youth Livelihood and UWEP among others
“I humbly request the clergy to take advantage of the regular interaction with the believers to help government in popularizing programs, especially the Parish Development Model that aims at empowering Ugandans financially,” Alupo said.
She made the call today as she joined the Christians of Our Lady of Snows Virika Cathedral Fortportal in Kabarole district during the holy Mass to celebrate Palm Sunday(the beginning of the holy week)
The vice president’s visit followed a promise made during the cathedral’s re-dedication and inauguration on March 2, where she said she would return to pray with Fort Portal Diocese believers before the end of Lent. She was accompanied by the Minister for Ethics and Integrity Rose Lilly Akello.
The Mass was presided over by Rt. Rev. Robert Muhirwa, the Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese.
Alupo commended the church for playing a big role in reaching the masses beyond the pulpit with outreaches that have enabled them to develop their livelihood.
“The NRM leadership appreciates all your endevours in setting up church founded projects in all sectors and this has enhanced government services through the different partnerships in health, education and business with construction of financial institutions,” she said.
Rt. Rev. Muhirwa expressed gratitude towards the vice president for fulfilling her promise of finding time off her busy schedule to pray with Christians of Virika Cathedral.
In his homily, Bishop Muhiirwa reflected on four key themes from today’s readings: Patience, as exemplified by Jesus christ who endured physical suffering; Humility, shown by Jesus during His triumphant entry into Jerusalem; Forgiveness, like when Jesus healed and forgave the man whose ear was cut off by Peter; and Trust in God, especially during life’s trials.
The bishop appealed to believers to take good care of the palm as they began the holy week, adding that they’re a sign of Jesus’ Christ victory over sin.
The bishop asked the government through the vice president to speed up the construction works of Kampala-Mityana-Mubende-Fortportal Road to enhance the economic development of the people.
