Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has called upon religious leaders across the country to take a more proactive role in mobilizing believers to embrace government development initiatives, particularly those aimed at improving household incomes.
Speaking during Palm Sunday celebrations at Our Lady of Snows Virika Cathedral in Fort Portal, Kabarole District, Alupo emphasized the strategic role of the clergy in promoting pro-poor government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, GROW, Youth Livelihood Program, and Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP).
“I humbly request the clergy to take advantage of the regular interaction with believers to help the government in popularizing these programs, especially the Parish Development Model that aims at empowering Ugandans financially,” Alupo said.
The Vice President, who attended the Holy Mass alongside Minister of Ethics and Integrity Rose Lilly Akello, was fulfilling a promise made during the re-dedication and inauguration of the cathedral on March 2.
At that time, she had pledged to return and worship with the Fort Portal Diocese community before the end of the Lenten season.
The Mass was presided over by Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa, the Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, and was attended by hundreds of Christians who gathered to mark the beginning of Holy Week.
Alupo commended the Catholic Church for its active contribution to national development through outreach programs and church-founded projects.
She noted that religious institutions continue to play a significant role in complementing government efforts in sectors such as health, education, and finance.
“The NRM leadership appreciates all your endeavors in setting up impactful projects across different sectors. These initiatives have enhanced the delivery of government services and contributed greatly to the socio-economic transformation of our communities,” she said.
Bishop Muhiirwa thanked the Vice President for keeping her promise and joining the faithful on the important occasion of Palm Sunday.
He described her visit as a strong gesture of solidarity with the church and its mission.
In his homily, Bishop Muhiirwa focused on four key themes drawn from the day’s scripture readings: Patience, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ in enduring suffering; Humility, seen during His triumphant yet modest entry into Jerusalem; Forgiveness, illustrated when Jesus healed the man whose ear was cut off; and Trust in God, especially during life’s most difficult moments.
He urged believers to reflect on these virtues during Holy Week and to take care of their palm branches, which symbolize Christ’s victory over sin.
“We must carry these palms not just as symbols but as a reflection of the hope and redemption that Jesus Christ brings into our lives,” he said.
The bishop also used the opportunity to appeal to the government to expedite the ongoing works on the Kampala–Mityana–Mubende–Fort Portal road.
He stressed that improving this key transport corridor would boost economic development in the region and improve access to essential services.
“This road is a vital artery for the people of Western Uganda. We ask the government to prioritize its completion for the benefit of our communities,” Muhiirwa said.
The Parish Development Model, a flagship initiative of the NRM government, seeks to lift households out of subsistence farming into the money economy by channeling resources directly to the parish level.
Religious institutions have increasingly been recognized as critical partners in mobilizing communities to participate in such transformational programs.
Alupo’s engagement with the Fort Portal Diocese underscores the government’s intent to deepen collaboration with faith-based organizations as it continues to roll out people-centered development programs.
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