By KT Reporter
Vice President Maj. (Rtd.) Jessica Rose Epel Alupo has commended the Church for its significant role in shaping responsible citizens and enhancing livelihoods across Uganda. Speaking at the launch of the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Foundation (AMDEF), Alupo praised the Church’s longstanding contributions to Uganda’s development, including the establishment of schools, health facilities, and financial support initiatives that complement government efforts.
“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.” She emphasized the importance of hard work and wealth creation, urging Ugandans to embrace productive employment and engage in income-generating activities.
The Vice President highlighted key government programs such as the Parish Development Model, which are aimed at eradicating poverty and achieving inclusive growth. Launched in Mbarara, AMDEF is a visionary initiative designed to bridge faith and action in uplifting communities. Alupo described it as a reflection of shared commitment to translating spiritual values into tangible development outcomes. “This foundation aligns perfectly with Uganda’s broader goals of socio-economic transformation as championed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the National Resistance Movement,” she said.
Alupo noted that the Church has long been a cornerstone in Uganda’s development journey, especially in sectors like education, health care, and peacebuilding. “From founding schools to mobilizing communities for reconciliation, faith-based institutions have proven indispensable,” she said. “Today, we formalize this partnership through AMDEF, ensuring religious institutions have the means to expand their impact in education, agriculture, health, and social welfare.”
As part of her support, Alupo delivered a cash contribution of Shs 50 million from President Museveni and Shs 20 million from her funds towards the construction of a Shs 8.53 billion AMDEF Business Centre. The centre is aimed at promoting self-reliance and community development.
“I encourage you to keep walking this journey and continue sowing the seeds of AMDEF,” she urged. She also appealed to government agencies and individuals to support the foundation by contributing their time, expertise, and resources. “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, said AMDEF would organize annual fundraisers to ensure sustained support for key Church projects. Archbishop Lambert Bainomugisha of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mbarara expressed his gratitude to the Vice President for her unwavering support and deep commitment to the Church’s mission. He thanked all contributors, Members of Parliament, and local leaders for their collective efforts and used the occasion to call for peace and unity as Uganda heads towards the 2026 general elections-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
