Clare Nayebare
The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert K.Muhiirwa Akiiki, has appealed to the Government of Uganda, particularly the Ministry of Works and Transport and the President, to address the worsening condition of the Kyenjojo–Kampala road. He noted that the deteriorating state of the road, described by uncountable potholes has increasingly led to mechanical problems for many vehicles on top of prolonging the travel time to and from Kampala.
The major concern
The Bishop made the appeal while addressing the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, Her Excellency Rt. Maj. Gen. Jessica Alupo, during Palm Sunday prayers held at Virika Cathedral in Fort Portal City yesterday.
The Fort Portal local ordinary, expressed concern that although this issue was raised previously and some work had commenced, it was abruptly halted without substantial progress. He pointed out that a journey which previously took three to four hours now takes six to seven hours due to the many potholes along the route.
As a result, he explained that many travelers have started using the longer Hoima–Kampala road, which significantly increases fuel costs, an expense that is unaffordable for many.
Alupo Hailed for Sticking to Her Word
Despite these concerns, the Bishop expressed appreciation to Vice President Alupo for fulfilling her commitment to join the faithful for Palm Sunday prayers at the cathedral, a pledge she had earlier made on March 2, this year, while gracing the Virika Cathedral Inauguration as a Chief guest representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“I thank you your Excellency for standing by your word of joining us for prayers in this cathedral before the end of lent, and It is a pleasure to have prayed with you on this Palm Sunday. The president must have made a wise decision of appointing you to the office of the vice president because you mean your word.” Complemented Bp Muhiirwa
Virika Parish Seeks Financial Assistance
In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Titus Winyi Abwooli, the Rector of Virika Cathedral, thanked the Vice President for her return visit to the cathedral, noting that she had also graced its inauguration less than a month ago.
He presented two major needs of the cathedral, including the construction of a more presentable priests’ residence and a larger perpetual adoration chapel to accommodate the increasing number of the faithful. He appealed for financial support from the Vice President’s office to help meet these needs.
Fr. Winyi, equally noted that comprised of 21 outstations, Virika Parish Christians are majorly poor people who survive on subsistence farming mainly on small pieces of land. He explained that it is for this reason that they are generally lacking better ways of living, and still putting up in old fashioned structures.
Fr Winyi hinted on plans of constructing modern structures of the priest’s residence to fit the lifestyle of the prevailing times.
Utilizing Govt Programs for Poverty alleviation
In response, the Vice President pledged to forward the concerns regarding the Kyenjojo–Kampala road to the Ministry of Works and Transport and also to raise the matter with the President. She encouraged believers to embrace government development programs aimed at poverty reduction and leaders to prepare strategically for the upcoming presidential visit.
“I urge you all to respond promptly to all government programs like PDM, Youth livelihood, Emyooga and others for you to fight poverty. Be very vigilant to these programs, the same money that is given out here is the same elsewhere in the country so you better utilize them to better your lives like President Museveni wishes” Emphasized Alupo.
As the country heads for a political season, The Vice President Alupo, urged believers to pray for their leaders to courageously go through the season, so that they come back stronger to serve them better in the next term.
Alupo, however clarified that her visit was purely centered on prayer as earlier promised, commending Bishop Muhiirwa for his stewardship and the Christians of Virika for their welcoming gesture.
