By KT Reporter
St. Peter’s Catholic Church Olupe in St. Stephen Parish, Soroti Diocese, with a congregation of 575 Christians, is seeking financial support of Ugx 135 million to complete its ongoing construction works.
The church, which has been conducting prayers under the open sky for the past six years, has faced severe financial challenges in completing the building. In 2022, the first wall, which was built up to the beam level, was blown down by the wind, further delaying progress.
Joseph Ejiet, the area catechist of St. Peter’s Catholic Church Olupe, explained that the construction, which was started on December 18, 2018, has since slowed due to financial challenges, including the loss of approximately Ugx 10 million in previous funds.
The church is now seeking an additional Ugx 135 million for its completion, hoping to provide shelter for worshippers. Ejiet said that the church has planned a fundraising event scheduled for April 27, 2025, to raise funds for the project, aiming to expedite the construction so that Christians can have proper shade during worship.
Joseph Atoruyan, the Chairperson of the Development Committee, shared that Christians have been attending early morning prayers, starting at 6:00 am and ending at 9:00 am, but they endure the scorching sunshine. When it rains, the prayers are paused due to the incomplete church structure.
Sarah Apio, Margret Amito, and Florence Asingada, some of the church members, expressed their gratitude after receiving a timely donation of 50 bags of cement from Daniel Mulalu, a private secretary to the President in charge of political mobilization and affairs. This donation is seen as a helpful intervention to address the challenges faced by Christians who worship under the open sky.
Jimmy Okello, the district councilor for Getom Sub-county, also lent his support, urging stakeholders to unite in rescuing the situation at the church so that it can be completed and offer blessings to the community.
Mulalu, an aspirant for the Ngariam County seat, who had previously made a similar donation to the Church of Uganda in Olupe Town Board, Ngariam Sub-county, announced that he has secured 2,500 bags of cement worth Ugx 77,500,000.
These are intended for the construction of churches in Ngariam County to help address the challenges churches face during construction-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
