BDF 2024. Diocese of Kigezi Christians in Kampala Receive Medals.

A section of Christians from the Diocese of Kigezi Kampala Fellowship has received medals in recognition of their “Remarkable” contribution to the 2024 Bishop’s Development Fund- BDF.

The BDF program was launched at a dinner in Kampala, in July this year, as a strategy to sustain the Diocese’s development plans. The launch was followed by a mega event in Kabale District at St. Peter’s Cathedral Rugarama, where President Yoweri Museveni contributed Shs. 150 million and Shs. 1.2 billion was raised in total.

While presiding over the Holy Communion Service at All Saints Cathedral, Kampala on December 8,  Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna hailed the Christians based in Kampala for their “remarkable” contribution to the 2024 BDF program.

The Bishop assisted by his wife, Mrs. Charity Jackeline Akanjuna and other members of the clergy, decorated the generous givers with Bronze, Ivory, Silver, Gold, Diamond and Platinum medals.

Among them was the 2024 Miss Uganda Natasha Nyonyozi who hails from Kamuganguzi Archdeaconry in the Diocese of Kigezi. Ms. Natasha contributed Shs. 2 million to the 2024 BDF, and she received a gold medal in recognition of her support.

Other notable contributions were from Dr. Sylvia Arinaitwe, the Deputy Managing Director National Water and Sewerage Cooperation who mobilized Shs. 100 million, Minister of State for Industry David Bahati who mobilized Shs.50 Million, and the Mwanaki Family that contributed Shs.30 million.

Former Kabale District Woman Mp and Publicity Secretary of the Kampala Fellowship, Ninsiima Ronah Ritah was also among the recipients of the Diamond Medal.

Bishop Akanjuna thanked the Kampala Fellowship led by the Chairperson Ms. Jesica Tushemereirwe and her deputy Billy Birungi for holding regular meetings to share the word of God, and reflect on their performance towards supporting the local Churches at home. The Fellowship in Kampala meets four times in a year.

CUE IN …BISHOP AKANJUNA ON KAMPALA FELLOWSHIP

The Diocese of Kigezi Head of Laity Canon Baryantuma Munono gave an update on the progress of constructing a Shopping Mall in Kabale Town, the first project under the Bishop’s Development Fund valued at  a 3.1 billion shillings . 

According to Munono, by yesterday, they had acquired certificates of demolition and dumping from Kabale Municipal Council, and carried out the authorized activities accordingly. He also revealed that Eng. Spencer Owoyesigyire, a dedicated Christian in the Diocese had offered free services in designing the architectural plan which was approved by the Municipal authorities.

Canon Munono pledged to provide real time updates on progress of construction works, and comprehensive accountability for the funds collected.

“The continuity of BDF will only depend on how we account for the Money you are giving in. I want to commit myself to ensuring that your money is put to the right use so that when you look at the work done, you will feel proud of what you have accomplished,” Munono said.

Other prominent figures at yesterday’s event included State Minister of Industry David Bahati, Former Minister of Finance Prof. Ezera Suruma, Former Rukiga County Mp Adison Kakuru, Former Kabale Municipality Mp Andrew Ajja Baryayanga, among others.

ABOUT THE D.O.K KAMPALA FELLOWSHIP

According to the Secretary for Publicity, Hon. Ninsiima Ronah Ritah, The Diocese of Kigezi Kampala Fellowship started about Six years ago, after celebration of the D.O.K Golden Jubilee. The then  Bishop George Bagamuhunda tasked the late Hon. Manzi Tumubweine,  first Chairman of  the Kampala Chapter to mobilize all Christians in the Capital and  create a platform where they could always keep in touch with the Diocese.

“Precisely, the main purpose is to bridge the gap between Christians and their Diocese” Ninsiima said.

She further explained that every quarter  there’s a service for the Diocese of Kigezi Christians in the Metropolitan Kampala, i.e; Kampala Capital City that also covers Wakiso, Entebbe, Jinja, Mukono et al. 

Yesterday’s Church service was special since it was the last in the year and preceded Christmas. The Christians  shared a meal and had time to interact with one another, particularly on matters that pertain their Spiritual growth; and evaluation of their performance in regard to supporting the physical aspects of the Church at home (in Greater Kabale District). 

Christians also received updates on how the Diocese is performing, especially in the Physical and Spiritual Development programs.