Bainomugisha urges Christians to extend love through service

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With many Ugandans going through hard times due to the current challenging economic situation and other issues, Christians in the Mbarara Archdiocese have been encouraged to increase acts of love and service to fellow humans to help uplift them in all ways. 

Lambert Bainomugisha, the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, says it is important for believers to contribute toward the betterment of those around them.

He noted that good deeds that support mankind amplify Jesus Christ’s ministry of serving selflessly, adding that it was crucial for believers to make the world better for everyone. 

Bainomugisha was presiding over the thanksgiving service to crown the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association’s (AMDA) annual three-day caravan 2023 at Ibanda Catholic Parish, Ibanda district on Sunday, September 10.  

The thanksgiving mass was attended by the Catholic head of laity Gervase Ndyanabo, Members of Parliament from the archdiocese, Ibanda District chairperson Herbert Happy Mayanja, among other high-profile Christians, and the Catholic faithful from across the district and beyond.  

Supporting communities 

During the outreach now in its ninth year, AMDA members sensitised community members on self-reliance, education, and entrepreneurship in Ibanda and Kihani parishes.

They also provided legal advice on wills and family property issues; provided free medicare and medicines to 9,334 people with different ailments and held sessions for marrieds and leaders. 

AMDA also donated an assortment of drugs to Ruhoko Health Centre IV, Uganda Martyrs Hospital Kagongo and St John Fisher Ibanda SS.

It gave out 10 wheelchairs, clutches, 670 textbooks for the new curriculum, clothes, and 100 bags of cement towards the construction of the new priests’ house at Ibanda Catholic Parish. 

They donated 20,000 tree seedlings for different tree species, including medical and fruit trees, and Kihani parish Robusta coffee seedlings for an acre of land, while Ibanda parish got seedlings for 10 acres.  

Emulate 

The archbishop said AMDA’s good acts will change the lives of many in the archdiocese, adding that the caravan supports Jesus’ mission by helping to strengthen faith among believers and providing lessons for other Catholic groups and parishes in the archdiocese. 

“I want to thank AMDA for extending this Christian love to Ibanda district. Our wish is that you reach each parish with this kind of love... I urge others to pick a leaf from your good and challenging example,” said the prelate. 

“Our mission as Christians is to make the world a better place for ourselves and others, and those that will come after us since we are enjoying the fruits of those before us.”  

Brother’s keeper 

This year’s caravan was on the theme, “Be vigilant, stay in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13)”. 

AMDA chairperson Chris Gumisiriza said the caravan focused on the seven pillars that guide the group’s operations – education, health and wellness, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment.

Others are the promotion of unity, spiritual development and transformation, and leadership development. Gumisiriza noted that many people were abandoning Christianity to “seek solutions from the wrong places” due to the many challenges they faced. 

“The AMDA caravan, therefore, brings hope and aims to change people’s mindset and lifestyles to be able to manage the challenges faced by communities,” he said. 

He appealed to the beneficiary communities and stakeholders to use the skills and knowledge gained and donations as a “springboard for holistic development in the area”. 

The caravan is rooted in compassion and empowerment; brings together communities, empowers and uplifts them, fostering healing and hope, said Jacklina Kyomukama, AMDA Ibanda Parish coordinator.  

Leaders say 

Ibanda district Woman MP Jane Bainomugisha thanked the group for supporting environmental conservation efforts and for providing free medical care to thousands of residents in the archdiocese during its medical camp.  

The MP, also a member of AMDA, urged residents to embrace tree planting and the growing of fruit trees for health and nutritional benefits, and as a source of income. 

Emmy Mbarebaki, head of laity at Nyamitanga Parish, said the caravan presents individuals with many lessons, adding that it shows that any person can support others whatever their status in the community.