President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the Catholic Church for its crucial role in Uganda’s transformation and contributed UGX 50 million to support ongoing projects under the Moroto Catholic Diocese.
Delivering the President’s message at the consecration and inauguration of the Merciful Love of Jesus Cathedral in Moroto, Vice President H.E. Maj (Rtd) Jessica Rose Epel Alupo lauded the Church’s long-standing contribution to national development. “The Catholic Church has consistently led the way in transforming society, not only in Moroto but across the country,” President Museveni stated.
He recognised the Church’s close partnership with government in delivering essential services and promoting community development. Reaffirming the state’s commitment to peace and security, the President stressed that meaningful progress depends on economic empowerment at the household level. “We can no longer continue relying on external aid,” he said. “That is why we are spreading this message through programs like Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation, the Parish Development Model, and youth skilling initiatives.”
President Museveni also congratulated the Uganda Episcopal Conference and the global Catholic community on the recent election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, describing it as a sign of continuity and strong leadership.
Archbishop Luigi Bianco, the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda and the main celebrant, reflected on the spiritual importance of the newly inaugurated cathedral. He called it “a visible sign of God’s presence among His people” and referenced the Mass of Dedication, which presents the Church as God’s sacred dwelling. Quoting Isaiah 56:7, he said, “I will make them joyful in my house of prayer; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.”
Archbishop Bianco also echoed Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural blessing— “Peace be with you all”—and congratulated Rt Rev Damiano Giulio Guzzetti, MCCJ, Bishop of Moroto, along with local clergy, religious, seminarians, catechists, and the faithful.
Counsel Twinobusingye Severino, representing Gen (Rtd) Caleb Akandwanaho (Salim Saleh), Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation and Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence, highlighted the relevance of Catholic Social Teaching as articulated in Rerum Novarum. He noted that the new cathedral enhances Moroto’s skyline and aligns with Operation Wealth Creation’s vision, particularly in youth empowerment and industrial development.
With cattle rustling now largely under control, Gen Saleh’s message advocated for renewed focus on value addition in beef, hides and skins, and dairy processing. He pointed out the region’s abundant water resources, which could be leveraged for irrigation, aquaculture, livestock, and domestic use.
He also revealed ongoing discussions between the Church and government about the potential integration of Karamoja Peace and Technology University into Uganda’s public university system, with the Catholic Church as its founding body.
Gen Saleh called upon the youth, especially the Karacuna, to draw inspiration from the spiritual message of the new cathedral. He emphasised that the Church values his contribution to the project, particularly in promoting evangelisation as a tool for socio-economic transformation.
The event drew attendance from the Italian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Mauro Massoni, Members of Parliament, senior government officials, security leaders, clergy, and congregants from various Christian denominations.
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