BY JOACKIM KULE
Just one month remaining to the 2026 Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations at Namugongo, the Diocese of Kasese which is the main celebrant of the day is still looking for over 2 billion shillings to facilitate the event’s activities.
The Diocese,which is tasked with the role of leading the celebrations, needs 4.5 billion shillings from the government, churches, mosques, institutions and well-wishers.
Rev. Fr. John Baptist Kule, the Chairperson for the Steering Committee of the Uganda Martyrs’ Day, says that out of the budgeted amount of money, they have so far received 2 billion shillings from the Government of Uganda and a few donations from individuals and institutions.
Rev. Fr. Kule also asserts that of the remaining 2.5 million shillings they have received more than 500 million as a donation from individuals, organizations and well-wishers, leaving a deficit of 2 billion shillings that the Diocese is still looking for.
However, other institutions including churches and local governments are coming on board to contribute towards the noble cause.
South Rwenzori Diocese has contributed 3 million shillings and the money has since been receipted by the function’s treasury.
The money was delivered yesterday by the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Nason Baluku who noted that he was aware of the load the Catholic Diocese of Kasese was carrying to lead the said national function.
Today afternoon, Kasese Municipal Council through the Town Clerk, Geoffrey B. Bamanyisa,handed a cash contribution of 8 million shillings shortly after the mass that was officiated over by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Francis Acquirinus Kibira, at the Municipal Council Headquarters.
During the same function, the Central Division Chairperson, Martin Safari delivered 500,000 shillings as a balance of 1 million shillings that his council pledged.
Bishop Kibira welcomed the contributions, asking the people of Kasese to accompany him to the national function that shall in one way or another market the district in the entire world.
He discouraged the people of Kasese against tribalism and sectarianism, noting that they hinder development and unity among the people in their respective communities.
ENDS