The Vice President of Uganda and Woman MP for Katakwi District, Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, has called on Ugandan parents to prioritize building strong and morally upright families founded on religious values, saying such foundations are key to shaping responsible citizens and fostering national development.
Speaking during the annual Mass organized by the Tororo Ecclesiastical Province Association of the Laity (TEPAL) at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Namugongo on Sunday, Alupo reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting freedom of worship and working in partnership with religious institutions for the spiritual and socio-economic transformation of the nation.
“I want to assure you of the Government’s commitment towards the promotion and support of the freedom of worship, and collaboration with the Church towards development initiatives to our people,” Alupo said.
The event brought together thousands of Catholic faithful from across Eastern Uganda, including members of the five dioceses that form TEPAL; Jinja, Tororo, Moroto, Soroti, and Kotido.
The association aims to promote unity among lay Catholics, enhance faith, facilitate knowledge exchange, and build networks that support socio-economic transformation within and beyond the Tororo Ecclesiastical Province.
Alupo used the occasion to underscore the pivotal role of families in shaping the moral fabric of society.
She emphasized that families anchored in strong religious values are more likely to raise disciplined, respectful, and ethical children who contribute positively to the country’s growth.
“I therefore, expect this association to be striving high to extend moral lessons to the families that will see a country raising youths with religious and ethical conduct,” the Vice President noted.
She further urged the clergy and faithful to actively engage in wealth creation and economic empowerment initiatives within their communities.
According to Alupo, such efforts are in line with the government’s broader goal of attaining middle-income status and ensuring sustainable development for all Ugandans.
“Initiatives like these ones are indeed in line with this call, and I urge you to remain committed towards this cause,” she added.
Alupo pledged her continued support for TEPAL’s initiatives and future plans, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility in promoting values-based leadership, development, and moral stewardship.
“My door remains open for TEPAL as we work together to foster growth, development, and moral upbringing within our communities, not only in Eastern Uganda, but across the entire country,” she assured.
She also wished the faithful strength, peace, and divine blessings in their spiritual journeys and efforts to foster harmony in their families and communities.
Over the years, TEPAL has registered commendable achievements, including supporting priestly ordinations, funding church construction projects, caring for clergy welfare, and organizing dignified send-offs for departed religious and lay leaders.
The association has also actively mobilized professionals, politicians, and technocrats from the region to support Church and community development efforts.
This year’s Mass was graced by a host of prominent Church leaders, including the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda, His Excellency Luigi Bianco, who was the chief guest.
The main celebrant was Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru, Bishop of Soroti Diocese.
Also present were the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tororo Archdiocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Obbo, Bishop of Kotido Diocese Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu, Bishop of Moroto Diocese Rt. Rev. Damiano Guzzetti, and Bishop of Jinja Diocese Rt. Rev. Martin Wamika.
In his homily, Bishop Eciru reflected on the recent passing of Pope Francis, calling it a solemn moment for the Church, while at the same time expressing joy and gratitude to God for the appointment of Pope Leo XIV, the new shepherd and successor to St. Peter.
“We thank God for the gift of Pope Leo XIV and pray for the success of his ministry as the universal shepherd of the Catholic Church,” Bp. Eciru said.
He further encouraged the faithful to use TEPAL as a vehicle for spiritual renewal and practical service, noting that associations such as these are vital arms of the Church meant to foster holiness, solidarity, and shared responsibility.
“May our communion and association help restore a message of life full of hope. Please help connect souls in a manner that builds and nourishes,” he said.
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