Vice President Jessica Alupo has commended the Church for its critical role in shaping Ugandans into responsible citizens and enhancing livelihoods across the country.
The retired Major lauded the Church’s contributions in establishing schools, health facilities, and other social development projects that complement government services.
She also praised its efforts in providing financial support to communities.
“The government appreciates the Church’s efforts in nurturing believers spiritually and guiding them to become responsible members of society,” Alupo said.
“Through various outreach programs, the Church has positively impacted communities by promoting both personal and economic development.”
Alupo emphasized the importance of hard work and wealth creation, urging Ugandans to engage in productive employment and income-generating activities.
She highlighted the ongoing Parish Development Model and other government initiatives aimed at eradicating poverty.
The Vice President made these remarks while launching the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Foundation (AMDEF), a visionary initiative designed to bridge faith and action in the quest to uplift communities.
She described AMDEF as a reflection of a shared commitment to transforming spiritual values into tangible progress, aligned with Uganda’s broader goals of socio-economic transformation as championed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Alupo noted that the Church has long been a cornerstone of Uganda’s development, complementing government efforts in education, healthcare, and social welfare.
“From founding schools under the stewardship of the Catholic Church to mobilizing communities for peace and reconciliation, faith-based institutions have proven indispensable,” she said.
“Today, we formalize this partnership through AMDEF, ensuring that religious institutions have the resources to expand their impact on education, agriculture, health services, and social development.”
Alupo, who also serves as the Woman MP for Katakwi District, urged religious leaders to ensure that AMDEF empowers their missions without compromising their spiritual mandate.
“If you empower our people spiritually, everything else, including AMDEF, will be catered for even better,” she emphasized.
She called upon individuals and organizations to contribute generously to AMDEF’s fundraising campaign and support the foundation’s noble cause.
During the event, Alupo delivered a cash contribution of Shs 50 million from President Museveni, along with Shs 20 million from her personal funds, towards the construction of an Shs 8.53 billion business centre aimed at promoting self-reliance and community outreach.
“I encourage you to continue standing firm and walking this journey, so that you can keep sowing the seeds of AMDEF,” she urged.
She also appealed to government agencies to collaborate with and support AMDEF’s initiatives by leveraging their collective resources and expertise to maximize impact.
To the wider public, the Vice President encouraged active participation through volunteering time, expertise, and resources to further the foundation’s mission.
Quoting President Museveni, Alupo said, “The fundamentals of life, shelter, food, and defense, are the bedrock of society.”
“AMDEF is more than a financial undertaking, it is a covenant to uplift every Ugandan, rooted in our shared values of service and solidarity. Together, let us build a Uganda where faith and development walk hand in hand,” she concluded.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who chairs the Foundation, stated that AMDEF would hold annual fundraisers to sustain key Church activities without financial anxiety.
“We want to build an endowment that will secure the Diocese’s ability to serve the poor, educate our children, support the clergy, and spread the gospel,” Tayebwa said.
“Even the smallest contribution from ordinary Christians is very significant. AMDEF is a prophetic initiative, a bridge between our faith and the sustainability of our Church.”
Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha expressed his gratitude to the Vice President for her unwavering support for the Church and commitment to the Kingdom of God.
He also thanked members of the Foundation, contributors, MPs, and local government leaders for their collective support.
The Archbishop used the occasion to call for peace and unity as Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections.
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