Last evening, Parishioners and friends of Soroti Catholic Diocese gathered in Kampala, to raise funds for a mega Catholic Church.
Baptized as ‘Regina Caeli’ or ‘Queen of Heaven’, the 4000 seater project is expected to consume USD2.4m and is being spearheaded by Soroti Catholic Arch Bishop Joseph Eciru.
The function was graced by cream de la cream of Teso led by Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo who sat in the biggest chair at the function.
Basing the fundraising on the biblical teachings about offering to the Lord (Exodus 35:5), the function ended with Shs317m having been collected both in cash and pledges.
Alupo joyfully depleted her pockets and donated Shs10m cash and put the church on notice that she will add more Shs 20m.
Although he wasn’t around having accompanied Gen. Museveni to Vietinam, foreign affairs minister Gen. Abubaker Odong JeJe through Alupo pledged Shs5m. Another minister Okasaai Opolot pledged Shs5m while his colleague Asamo Christine also paid Shs5m.
Alupo who’s also woman MP-Katakwi District and a Parishioner of the Diocese, commended people who support various church projects as a way of committing to the Lord.
She congratulated Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach upon the key construction milestone saying Christians would continously pray for his wisdom and health so that he would shephard the flock in strength.
“As government, we recognize the symbiotic relationship with the church because they are partners in development. We will continously work with all religious institutions and denominations, and continue to walk with you in this journey”, she said.
Alupo however, asked the parishioners to guard against corruption, a vice she said, hinders development.
She also urged them to renew their confidence in President Museveni who has served with visible and tangible results.
Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach of Soroti Catholic Diocese said he was optimistic the project which he described as a “noble cause’ will be achieved in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Meanwhile, the Vicar General-Soroti Catholic Diocese Msgr Robert Ecogu thanked the congregation for sowing hearts of love. He said the fundraiser was a sign of thanksgiving and prayed that God would continue to use the Vice President in fulfillment of the Lord’s work.
Other sons and daughters of Teso who attended included
Prof. Francis Omaswa-the Soroti University Chancellor, former PPS Mary Amajo and Justice Mary Maitum.
