Clare N
A total of UGX 75.7 million has been raised Over the weekend during a fundraising drive for the completion and furnishing of the Elderly Priests’ Retirement Home Project in Fort Portal Diocese, located along Kinyamasika Road.
The fundraising was part of the annual Bishop’s Day celebrations organized by Bishop’s Development Fund- BIDEFU in Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, held on Saturda,y December 27, 2025.
The celebrations commenced with Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa Akiiki at the Bishop’s Residence in Kijanju, Fort Portal City, who in his Homily called upon Christians to live in genuine fellowship that promotes unity among the children of God, inspired by the close friendship shared between Christ, Peter, and John the Beloved.
He urged the faithful to avoid vices that weaken faith, such as jealousy, pride, worldly greed, and laziness, and instead allow Christ to be born anew in their lives, and to usher in an era of peace.
The Bishop further encouraged Christians to embrace the true meaning of Christ’s birth by seeking Him in unexpected places through visiting the needy and the sick, and especially by supporting vulnerable children, such as the orphans and infants at Tooro Babies’ Home.
He also reminded the faithful of their mission to ‘write the fourth Gospel’ by sharing the Good News of Christ through their daily witness.
Fundraising target surpassed
The fundraising, which took place after Mass and was led by Mr. Adolf Tibeyalirwa as Chief Fundraiser, collected a total of UGX 75,729,500, including UGX 63,779,500 in cash and UGX 11,950,000 in pledges.
According to Rev. Fr. Edward Muhumuza Akiiki, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, the fundraising was a success, having surpassed the initial target of UGX 70 million.
Fr. Muhumuza noted that following the successful renovation of the cathedral, the Elderly Priests’ Retirement Home has become the next priority project for the Diocese. He expressed gratitude to all who participated in the day’s activities and called upon other Christians to continue supporting the project through the available platforms.