Alice K
The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Kasaija Muhiirwa, today led the ground-breaking ceremony for the Katoosa Martyrs Shrine and officially handed over the site to the contractor, marking the start of construction for what church leaders say will be a major faith-based tourism destination in Western Uganda.
The ceremony, held at Katoosa grounds, brought clergy, government officials, political leaders and pilgrims.
About the project
According to Jackline Nyiracyiza Besigye who serves as the Acting Commissioner for Museums and Monuments within the ministry of tourism, wildlife and Antiquities, the project will cost 8.5 Billion shillings and the contractor is Shine Afric who is expected to complete the work within 24 month.
Besigye said that the project comprises of the altar and VVIP block, electrical installation and external works
She said that the government is doing this to promote faith based tourist and by 2040, tourism sector will be contributing more money to the country compared to other sectors
She added that as the government they need local people benefit from the project hence asking the leadership of Kyenjojo district to cooperate with them towards developing the economy.
Call for genuine work
In his address, Bishop Muhiirwa commended the government through the ministry of tourism for supporting the construction of the shrine saying it will honor the memory of early Christian witnesses in the area while opening new economic opportunities for the community.
According to him Katoosa Martyr’s Shrine will be a place of prayer, pilgrimage, and reflection. But it will also promote faith-based tourism.
He handed over the site to the constructor and urged the team to deliver quality work within the agreed timeline.
He urged the committee of Katoosa development shrine to do the job of monitoring so that whatever is done meets the standard. He also asked the constructor to collaborate with the Katoosa development shrine committee
Local Opportunities
The chairperson development committee of the shrine Johnmary Agaba and the parish priest Katoosa Venansio Busobozi commended the Bishop of Fort Portal diocese for also investing in tourism saying they have been known in promoting education and health
The chairperson LCV Kyenjojo Gilbert Ruhaihayo said that ground breaking and handing over of this site shows they are serious about development through faith and tourism
Rubaihayo asked the contractor to employ the local people and the materials should be procured within the area. He cautioned the contractor and the one he will be working with from involving in love affairs with school going girls