Clare
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, has called on the residents of Tooro to take advantage of government programs and engage in high-value crop farming as a means of combating poverty.
In her address yesterday to hundreds of Christians gathered for the inauguration of St. Mary’s Kigarama Parish in Kiko Town Council, Kabarole District, within the Fort Portal Diocese, Premier Nabbanja encouraged residents, particularly those with limited land and who are not yet part of the cash economy, to consider cultivating high-value crops such as coffee, poultry, piggery, and vegetables. She highlighted the availability of government funds to support these initiatives.
Nabbanja’s message comes at a time when Rt. Rev. Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, the Bishop of Fort Portal, has been actively promoting sustainable agriculture among Christians.The bishop has encouraged the faithful in the Diocese to embrace coffee farming and other cash crops, urging them to utilize government programs to boost their household incomes and support the education of their children.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the opening of Kigarama Parish would contribute to both the spiritual and socio-economic transformation of the region. She also acknowledged the significant challenges the country faces, including misinformation, climate change, and unemployment, commending the vital role of the church in guiding the faithful to uphold values such as integrity, hard work, and responsibility. Nabbanja urged religious leaders to mobilize their congregations to participate in the available government programs for poverty alleviation.
She also encouraged the local community to join efforts with the Minister of Primary Health Care, a local resident, to enhance maternal health, emphasizing that maintaining good health is crucial in alignment with the NRM Agenda’s Vision 2040.
She supported the newly opened parish with 10 million Shs and a car to ease the priest’s ministry.
Bishop calls for Unity with Camelites
Bishop Muhiirwa, who led the inauguration mass, praised the Carmelite Priests for their long-standing commitment to evangelization since the 1200s and their decision to serve in the Fort Portal Diocese. He urged the local Christian community to cooperate with the priests and take full advantage of both the spiritual and socio-economic benefits of having a parish.
Additionally, the bishop called on the congregation to avoid corruption and the misuse of office, encouraging them to use the gifts bestowed upon them by God to overcome poverty.
At the event, the State Minister for Primary Health Care, Margaret Muhanga, urged the residents to take preventive measures against non-communicable diseases, maintain healthy diets, and prioritize good hygiene practices.
