North Kigezi Christians raise UGX 2.47 Bn towards completion of St. Emmanuel Cathedral in Rukungiri

By Our Reporter

A spirit of faith, thanksgiving and generosity brought Christians, government leaders and well-wishers together in Kampala, raising UGX 2.47 billion towards the completion of St. Emmanuel Cathedral in Kinyasano, Rukungiri District.

The fundraising and thanksgiving service, organised by the North Kigezi Diocese Kampala Fellowship, was held in honour of the Commissioner General of Prisons and Diocesan Head of Laity, Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, as part of efforts to mobilise resources for the cathedral project, whose estimated completion cost stands at UGX 3.7 billion.

The service was presided over by the Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, who based his sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:18, urging Christians to give thanks to God in all circumstances.

The occasion attracted several distinguished guests, including the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa; Minister of Internal Affairs, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu; Minister for Security, Hon. Jim Muhwezi, who is also Patron of the Kampala Fellowship; and Minister for Lands, Hon. Judith Nabakooba.

Canon Dr. Byabashaija, who chairs the Kampala Fellowship, thanked God for the gift of life, family and 69 years of grace. In a personal contribution towards the cathedral project, he and his family donated UGX 43 million.

He also called upon Christians, friends and well-wishers to support the completion of the cathedral, emphasising the importance of collective responsibility in advancing the Church’s mission.

Minister for Security Jim Muhwezi also pledged UGX 20 million towards the fundraising drive.

In a message delivered on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni by Dr. Chrispus Kiyonga, the President commended Canon Dr. Byabashaija for his dedicated service to the country and his contribution to the transformation of the Uganda Prisons Service.

Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9:7, President Museveni encouraged Christians to give willingly and generously towards the cathedral project.

He further urged religious and community leaders to promote wealth creation by encouraging people to engage in income-generating activities and actively participate in national development.

The President contributed UGX 300 million towards the completion of St. Emmanuel Cathedral.

In a significant show of institutional support, Uganda Prisons Service officers from across the country collectively contributed more than UGX 550 million towards the construction and completion of the cathedral.

Their contribution was commended during the service as a demonstration of generosity, solidarity and the strong relationship between the Church and the Prisons Service.

The UGX 2.47 billion raised marks a significant milestone towards the project’s UGX 3.7 billion completion target, bringing the Diocese closer to completing a place of worship expected to serve Christians and future generations in North Kigezi.

Beyond the financial contributions, the gathering demonstrated how faith, leadership and collective action can unite communities around a shared vision and support the development of religious institutions.