Kabale Diocese Raises 2.3 Billion for St Ignatius University Construction

By Moses Agaba

Kabale Diocese has raised over Ugx 2.3 Billion in 2023 Bishops Annual Appeal Fundraiser for the Construction of the Kabale Diocese owned St Ignatius University in Kabale District.

Over Ugx 2.3 billion was on Saturday announced as the overall collection of the Bishops Annual Appeal Fund, BAAF 2023 during the Climaxing Fundraiser at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral in Kabale Municipality, Kabale District.

This year’s Bishops Annual Appeal Fund was purposed for the establishment of the Kabale Diocesan St. Ignatius University, with an initial plan of raising 3 billion.

The atmosphere at the climaxing fundraiser was one of celebration and gratitude as the community came together to contribute towards the ambitious goal of establishing the Kabale Diocesan St. Ignatius University.

As the community rallies behind this ambitious project, the impact is expected to reach far beyond the financial contributions, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility toward building a better and educated future for generations to come.

The initial goal set by the diocese was Ugx 3 billion for the university’s construction.

Presiding over the function as the main celebrant, Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira, the Kabale Diocesan Bishop, highlighted the transformative impact the university aims to achieve, particularly in fostering human development, job creation, and new opportunities, especially for the youth.

Bishop Rubaramira outlined the university’s commitment to offering practical courses in fields such as Agriculture and Tourism. He emphasized the importance of exposing students to the world of research to encourage innovation and nurture a generation of job creators rather than job seekers focusing on practical courses will contribute to reducing unemployment and poverty in the Kigezi Sub-region.

“ We need to prioritize Agriculture and Research if the current challenges faced by people, especially farmers, including poor farming methods and low-quality crops and seeds, say that the university’s role in developing measures for people to effectively utilize small plots of land for higher yields”. Said Bishop Rubaramira.

Moses Kamuntu Mwongyera the Rubanda West MP, Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish the Rukiga County MP , Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira the Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament, , emphasized the imperative for farmers to adapt to the evolving climate by cultivating crops with shorter maturation periods and they emphasized is on instilling hands on skills in the learners to better prepare them for practical and impactful contributions to the workforce.

Dr Chris Baryomunsi, The Minister for Information, Communication, Technology and National Guidance, represented the Prime Minister Robbina Nabanja as the Guest of Honor at the event.

Dr Baryomunsi emphasized that prioritizing agriculture courses is crucial for the university’s success, stating that Uganda’s economy heavily relies on agriculture. He stressed the importance of adopting modern farming practices for the country’s progress.

The event drew numerous dignitaries, rallying the university to focus on creating job creators instead of job seekers.

Minister Baryomunsi pledged government support to ensure the university provides quality education in the region. He also committed to leveraging partnerships with world-leading universities to address day-to-day challenges.

The Bishops Annual Appeal Fund, BAAF, serves as a significant financial initiative for various projects and causes, often aligned with the priorities and goals of Kabale diocese.