UGANDA: Diocese of Jinja Set to Raise UGX 2.2bn for Uganda Martyrs Day Celebration.
Bishop Rt. Rev. Charles Martin Wamika
Masereka Peter
The Diocese of Jinja in Eastern Uganda which was chosen to organize and animate this year’s Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo on June 3, will need to raise Shs2.2 billion (Approximately USD 587,000) to make the event a success, Rt. Rev. Charles Martin Wamika has said.
The Diocese of Jinja which last led the celebrations in 2002 was chosen to organize the event on behalf of Tororo Ecclesiastical Province and Uganda Episcopal Conference under the theme “Lord increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).
Addressing journalists at the Catholic Secretariat in Nsambya during the first National update on Martyrs Day celebration, the Jinja Catholic Bishop Rt. Rev. Charles Martin Wamika said they have set up a central organizing committee to work together with Uganda Catholic Secretariat and other stakeholders which came up with the budget of 2.2billion to cater for all expense, calling for support.
He said they chose the theme because the Martyrs shed their blood because of their faith in Jesus Christ, adding that they would like to pray through the Uganda Martyrs that the Lord may increase our faith.
Mr. Paul Baliraine, the central committee chairperson implored the media to work in partnership to promote the theme and the celebration which is expected to attract people behind the boundary of the country hence promoting faith and tourism.
The Uganda Episcopal Conference General Secretary Msgr. John Baptist Kauta said the expected number of pilgrims is estimated to be over one million. He identified the dominant foreign countries as East African countries which record one thousand pilgrims each, plus from pilgrims Malawi, South Africa, D.R Congo, Nigeria, USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and other African countries.
He added that most of the pilgrims within the country come by foot from their respective dioceses to Namugongo. He later urged the journalists to also do positive reporting in focusing much on issues that promote spiritually and the country atlarge.
The organizing committee is composed of the Minister for General Duties in the office of the Prime Minister, Justine Kasule Lumumba as patron and chairperson Finance, Mr. Paul Baliraine as the chairperson and will be deputized by Fr Paul Musana.
Other members on the committee include Fr Paul Okello Wandera who was chosen as Secretary and Coordinator, deputized by Mr. Edward Mwondha while Fr Gerald Muto will be the treasurer.
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