Bushenyi,Uganda – Over 400 million Uganda shillings was collected at Kitabi Parish in Bushenyi District on Sunday, 12th July 2026. The money was raised during a fundraising drive for the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Fund, commonly known as AMDEF.
The event attracted Christians and well-wishers from across the country and from different faiths. Catholics from the five parishes under St. Kagwa Deanery attended. These include Kitabi, St. Kagwa, Bitooma, Kyamuhunga, and Buhimba parishes.
The day began with Holy Mass led by the Archbishop of Mbarara, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha. In his homily on “sowing good seeds on fertile ground,” he urged believers to support God’s work. Several priests from across the Archdiocese concelebrated the Mass.
The Chief Guest was the Minister of Water and Environment, Major General Kahinda Otafiire. He said he had mobilized colleagues and friends, and together they contributed 12 million shillings. Dr. Engineer Silver Mugisha, Chief Coordinator of AMDEF and Head of Laity for Mbarara Archdiocese, said the funds are already supporting church projects. He revealed that the Archdiocese is constructing a building to house Centenary Bank, a project expected to cost at least 13 billion shillings.
Several invited guests also made generous contributions. Hajji Hassan Basajjabalaba gave 10 million shillings, and presented an additional 5 million to the Archbishop, who was celebrating his birthday. Hajji Iddi Basajjabalaba pledged 10 million and paid 5 million in cash. Hon. Adrine Kobusingye contributed 10 million, Hon. Michael Mawanda Maranga gave 2 million, and the Bushenyi District Chairperson, who chaired the organizing committee, contributed 1 million shillings.
Other guests included Hon. Annet Katusiime Mugisha, Hon. Cohen Kyampene, Mr. Wilberforce Byaboneka, Mr. Paul Kahiigi, Mr. Moses Karitundu, and Mr. Boniface Tugume. The function ended with prayers and appreciation to all who supported AMDEF.
